DAGUERREOTYPE SKETCHES 



OF THa 



IMEIMBEIIS 



0? 



FIRST COMMO^^ COUNCIL, 



AFTER CONSOLIDATION, 



1854 AND 185 5. 



BY 



A REPORTER FOR COMMON COUNCIL. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

W. H. SICKELS, PRINTER, No. 102 CHESTNUT STREET. 

1855. 



Tisi 



r 



,k1^3 



E E R A T A . 



The age of Mr. Iloppel is iaconvctly stated, and we are sorry ws cannot give it. 



^'^^;v 



/ 






'7 

/ 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Preface 5 

Meeting Room of Council g 

Dielil, John H. ( Chuirrnan,) 7 

Abbey, Charles 9 

Andress, Conrad B. 1 1 

Austin, Seth 13 

Berry, Eichard M. 15 

Bishop, Stilhvill Shaw 1 7 

Balch, Thomas 1 9 

Bumra, Henry 21 

Binder, George A. 23 

Butcher, Thomas T. 25 

Boswell, James J. 28 

Boyle, Patrick 31 

Copcland, Samuel 32 

Cowell, Joseph M. 34 

Cresswell, Robert 36 

Conrad, William 38 

Corlies, Daniel 40 

Crispin, Benjamin F. 41 

Dunk, Charles S. 42 

Davenport, James 44 

Dennis, William H. 46 

Dougherty, Michael J. 48 

Dubree, John 50 

Eastwick, A. M. 51 

Gibson, James Madison 54 

Giller, John U. 56 

Grove, Conrad S. 58 

Gray, Anson 60 

Griscom, George 62 

Gilliugham, Robert P. 64 

(iii) 



IV CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Gay, James 66 

Green, Alpheus W. G8 

Gratz, Edward 70 

Graeff, Charles E. 72 

Ilousermm, Jolin A. 74 

HollirKui, C. J. 76 

Harper, Alexander 78 

Honi, John 79 

Hacker, William 1\ 80 

Hubbani, Charles 82 

Hoppel, Albert E. 84 

Hillis, Nathan 86 

Hassiugcr, David S. 88 

Laws, Peter E. 90 

Lloyd, John ■ ; 92 

Larzalere, William 94 

Mercer, John A. 96 

Moran, William 98 

Marticn, James W. 100 

Matthews, William 102 

Manuel, Jr., Joseph 104 

Magarge, Charles lOG 

Norton, George 108 

Newell, Eobert 110 

O'Neill, Constantine B. E. 112 

Powell, William M. 114 

Pomeroy, George W. 115 

Parham, William M. 117 

Painter, John S. 118 

Preston, John E. 120 

Bead, William H. J. 122 

Randall, Samuel J. 1 24 

Rhoads, Andrew 126 

Roberts, Thomas J. 128 

Stuart, James 130 

Shectz, Peter 132 

Shuster, Henry 134 

Smith, William E. 136 

Stallman, John 138 

Taylor, Edmund 140 

Verree, James 142 

Watt, William W. 144 

Wickersham, Morris S. 146 

Wagner, Charles M. 147 



PEEFACE. 



In publishing our little volume, containing Daguerreotype Sketches of 
the members of Common Council, we make no claim to having produced a 
work of literary merit, but merely short, oir-handed sketches, written dur- 
ing our leisure moments, while reporting for Common Council ; hence we 
have said nothing of the members of the Select branch, leaving that body 
for some future occasion. 

From our intimate acquaintance with each of the gentlemen noticed in 
our book, we have given our impressions of their character and position, 
without any desire to flatter, and with a determination to " nothing extenu- 
ate, nor set down aught iu malice." 

Much has been said about the extravagance of the present City Govern- 
ment. Though the expenditures may seem great, there is some reason for 
it, in the fact, that the present Councils now provide for the entire Con- 
solidated City, whilst, previous to its organization, the City was divided into 
several distinct governments, and hence the expenditures for the public use 
never came prominently before the public. 

There must necessarily be much confusion, and some little extravagance, 
in the organization of a new government, particularly when the Legislature 
is composed almost entirely of men new to public life ; but time Avill cor- 
rect this evil, and men who are now considered wild in their notions about 
municipal affairs, will have justice done them, after they have retired to 
private life. 

We should foil iu one of the duties imposed upon us were we to fail in 
returning our thanks to Mr. John M. Riley, the efficient Clerk of Common 
Council; C. W. Steel, Assistant Clerk; James Zimmerman and Edward 
G. Fox, Messengers of Common Council, and Jacob Smith, IMessenger of 
Select Council, for the many favors we have received at their hands, dur- 
ing our connection with Councils as reporter for one of the daily papers, 
and our sincere wish is, that thoy may long retain the offices which they so 

worthily fill. 

Tine Reforteb. 

(V) 



THE MEETING UOOM OF COUNCIL. 



Previous to the Consolidation of the City, the old Councils met in the 
two rooms in the upper part of the building at Fifth and Chesnut streets ; 
but after that event took place, it was found that larger rooms were neces- 
sary to accommodate the increased number of members. 

With this object in view, the rooms in the second story of Independence 
Hall were selected, and immediate preparations made to fit them up in a 
style worthy the sacred Hall, and the purposes for which it was destined. 

The rooms now used by Council, were occupied in 1776 by Congress. 
The Senate of the first Congress met in the west end of the building. The 
room on the east was used for the Committees of Congress. In addition to 
these rooms, there was a " lobby" extending the entire length of the build- 
ing eastward from the landing, and in colonial days was famed as being the 
scene of many a sumptuous feast. In this lobby the American officei-s, cap- 
tured at the battle of Germantown, were confined. A number of soldiers 
wounded at the battle of Brandywine, breathed their last on this spot. 

Under the skilful management of Mr. Jacob W. Colladay, the old rooms 
have been entirely refitted and modernized, and now present the most beau- 
tiful appearance of any rooms in this country used for mimicipal purposes. 
So well has the work been performed by Mr. Colladay, tliat he lias been se- 
lected by the proper authorities to furnish plans and fit up nearly all the 
public buildings. 



(Ti) 



|!rtsibcnt of Common (Louncil, 

JOHN H. DIEHL, 

SEVENTH WARD. 



This gentleman is favorably and extensively known 
throughout the city, not only as a merchant, and Presi- 
dent of the Independent Mutual Fire and Marine Insu- 
rance Company, but as an active and ardent Whig — one 
who has by his constant advocacy of the doctrines of his 
party, been frequently favored with their confidence and 
votes. 

Mr. Diehl, we believe, first came before the people as a 
candidate for the Legislature of Pennsylvania, an office to 
which he was elected in the year 1848, and again in 1849. 
At that time the Democrats were larn;elv in the ascendant, 
therefore there was but little chance for a full development 
of his legislative capacities. 

After his retirement from this office he was elected for 
two successive years to a seat in the Councils of the old 
City, and where he soon became one of the most prominent 
members. While here he was on the Committees on Water, 

(vii) 



VIU JOHN H. DIEHL. 

Police and Highways. He was the most eloquent advocate 
in Council for the building of the Sunbury and Erie Rail- 
road, and we are sure but few of those present during the 
discussion of the question, will ever forget his manly and 
truly eloquent appeal in behalf of this great enterprise. 

Mr. Diehl was also an able advocate for the removal of 
the market-houses in Market street, and the success of the 
measure may be mainly attributable to him. The report 
made by the Committee, of which he was Chairman, was 
one of the ablest and most convincing reports ever present- 
ed to the old Councils. 

Mr. Diehl is a native of the State of Delaware, but has 
resided in Philadelphia ever since 1817, two years after be 
was born. He was elected to the present Council from the 
Seventh Ward, on the Independent Whig ticket, and on the 
day of its organization, according to the provisions of the 
Consolidation Act, was chosen almost by a unanimous vote, 
as President of Common Council — a position which he fills 
with much dignity. He brought to the Chair much legis- 
lative experience, as well as a mind quick in its operations. 
Thus he is enabled to preserve perfect order, and give de- 
cisions which are very rarely appealed from. Common 
Council was fortunate in the selection of such a man to pre- 
side over its deliberations. 



gagucrrcfltipe ^htttljes. 



CHAELES ABBEY, 

FIFTH AVARD. 



The subject of this sketch is familiar to most of our citi- 
zens, as the proprietor of an extensive establishment for 
gold beating, and a successful manufacturer of dentists* 
gold foil, and as one of the " City Fathers," before and 
since Consolidation ; he having served four years in the 
old City Councils, and during that time won for himself the 
respect and esteem of our citizens, by his unflinching integ- 
rity and devotedncss to the City's interest, not only as ex- 
hibited at the meetings of Council, but in services as member 
of several important committees. 

Mr. Abbey Avas elected to the present Council from the 
Fifth "Ward, by a majority of one or two hundred votes, thus 



10 

approving of his public acts in the old Council. Mr. A., 
though making no great pretensions to being a public 
speaker, is not slow in expressing his views upon all ques- 
tions of public importance, and particularly in reference to 
questions for sustaining the credit of the city. He is never 
,' absent from the meetings of Council, and is always in his 
seat, watching narroAvly the proceedings, never allowing a 
doubtful bill to pass, or what appears to be an exorbitant 
charge, without opposing its passage, without proper expla- 
nation and elucidation from the member submitting it. 

Mr. Abbey was born in Connecticut, and removed to this 
city in 1818, and has always voted in Dock Ward. He is 
fifty-five years of age, but still retains all the buoyancy and 
good humor of youth, at no time allowing the heat of debate 
to ruffle his temper or treat his fellow members discour- 
teously. He may be truly termed a worthy and honorable 
representative, and whose continued return to Council 
would be of service to his constituents as well as the public 
generally. 



11 



co?;rad b. andeess, 

ELEVENTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketch is in the thirty-eighth year of 
his age, and was born in the okl district of the Northern 
Liberties. He is well known to many of our citizens as a 
builder and measurer, and as such has always maintained 
an enviable character for honesty and integrity. 

As an evidence of the esteem in which he is held, by 
those who have the best opportunity of knowing him, we 
have only to say that he was elected on the Whig ticket by 
the highest vote of any of his colleagues on the Common 
Council ticket. This was the only election, also, that he 
had ever been before the people, except one year, when he 
was a candidate for Commissioner. 

The father of Mr. D. is one of the oldest residents of the 
Northern Liberties, and for many years was one of the most 
prominent politicians in that vicinity, and to his honor be it 
said, was one of the first who raised his voice in favor of the 
present glorious system of Public School education ; and 
he is still living to witness the blessed fruits of his labors, 



12 

which, " like the dews of Heaven, shed their influence upon 
the rich and the poor." 

He was, also, one of the Judges of the Recorder's Court, 
to which Judge Conrad was attached, and after tlie expira- 
tion of his term, served as Guardian of the Poor nine years. 
He was, also, appointed as one of the Aldermen for the Dis- 
trict of the Northern Liberties, by Governor Ritner. The 
elder Mr. Andress is still living, having retired from busi- 
ness after a long life spent in usefulness and honor. 

His son, the subject of this sketch, is highly esteemed by 
all that know him, not only in Council, but among his fellow 
citizens. He has been, during the past fifteen years, an 
active fireman, and still holds the position of President of 
the Northern Liberties Hose Company. 

Mr. A. oftan participates in the debates of Council, and 
in his speeches evinces a mind well trained to the practical 
necessities of the times, and not easily carried away by 
theories — therefore his votes are always given after mature 
deliberation and consideration. 



1'^ 



SETH AUSTIN, 



SEVENTEENTH WARD. 



Mr Austin is a native of New Jersey, but lias lived in 
tliis city for the past thirty-two years. He is now in hia 
fiftieth year, though apparently a much younger man. 

Mr. Austin has always been an active Democrat, though 
never was a candidate before the people, previous to his 
election to the present Council. 

To those who know Mr. Austin, it is unnecessary for us 
to say, that he has ever maintained an unspotted reputation 
in his AVard, not only as a politician, but as a business man. 

In Council, Mr. Austin has not taken any part in the 
debates, though he is always present at the meetings of 
Covmcil, and the Committee on Surveys. His desire seems 
to be, to so vote and act, as will best redound to the inte- 
rest of his constituents, as well as that of tlie citv. 



14 

It -would, no doubt, redound to the interest of this, as 
well as future Councils, if many members could only under- 
stand the same principle upon which Mr. A. operates, and 
that is, to speak only when the importance of the occasion 
demands it, and work harder in committees, where all the 
discussions and close scrutiny into bills should take place. 



15 



lUCHARD M. BEREY, 

FIRST WARD. 



Mr. Berry, like our friend from the Twenty-third Ward, 
may be classed as one of the tall members, he being six 
feet and two inches high. He is now in his thirty-third 
year, and for one so young, is exceedingly popular among 
the citizens of the First Ward of our City. He was elected 
by four hundred majority, and the only Democrat in the 
Ward that was elected to Council. 

Mr. Berry is a good old fashioned Democrat, both in 
manners and appearance, and though a little rough to the 
eye, possesses noble traits of character, which render him 
a favorite among his associates. No man in the Common 
Council is more attentive to business, never missing a meet- 
ing, either of the Committees or Council, and his votes will 
always be found recorded favorable to measures which are 
calculated to add to the greatness and prosperity of our 
City. 

Mr. B. may be considered one of the masses, making no 
claim to great pretensions for the advantages of education, 



16 

but relying mostly upon his good common sense, and busi- 
ness capacity, which has won for him the confidence of those 
who know him best. 

He has on several occasions entered into the discussion 
of questions before Council, and though making no preten- 
tions to the claim of being a public speaker, he is enabled 
to express his ideas with force and fluency. 

!Mr. B. by industry and integrity, has been enabled to 
establish himself firmly in the good esteem of the citizens 
of his Ward, and we are satisfied that the confidence reposed 
in him will never be betraved. 



17 



STILLWILL SHAW EISIIOP, 

FIFTH WARD. 



This gentleman is the senior partner of the shipping- 
house of Bishop, Simons k Co. The operations of the firm 
are quite extensive, and their ships are engaged in the trade 
of San Francisco, New Orleans, Texas and other Southern 
ports. 

Mr. Bishop has given but little of his time to politics, 
though he has always been a consistent and ardent Whig. 
He is a native of New Jersey, but has lived in this city 
since 1823. On his first arrival, he entered the shipping- 
house of Joseph Hand, so well known over the country, 
where he remained until the present firm was organized. 

His first appearance before the people, was as a candidate 
on the Whig ticket, for a seat in the first Council, under 
the Consolidation act, and his election was secured by a 
large majority. 

As a merchant, Mr. Bishop stands high. His dignity of 
character, and punctuality in all business afiairs, has ren- 
dered him exceedingly popular with all who come in coa- 

tact with him. 
3 



18 

Since he has taken his seat, the same integrity of charac- 
ter, and application to business, has been manifested — - 
attending faithfully to his public duties, both in the meet- 
inirs of Council and the committees to which he is attached. 

Mr. Bishop has not yet participated in any of the debates 
of Council, but we have no doubt, when occasion requires 
it, he will be found willing and able to join in. 



19 



THOMAS EALCH, 



NINTH WARD. 



Mr. Balch may be classed among the new men in Coun- 
cil, he never having been a candidate before the people 
previous to his election to the present Comicil. Though 
one of the youngest members of Common Council, he has, 
by his knowledge of legislative business, and readiness in 
debate, made himself one among the most prominent mem- 
bers. 

Mr. Balch is a native of Jefferson county, Virginia, where 
his father, a lawyer, still resides. Mr. B. studied law in 
the City of New York, with ]\Ir. Cambreleng, and was 
admitted to practice in that city, in 1845. Soon after this 
he removed to Philadelphia, and commenced the practice of 
his profession. 

Mr. Balch's family have been much distinguished in the 
annals of our country's history. His grandfather, Rev. 
Stephen B. Balch, D.D., settled and resided in George- 
town, D. C, for fifty-seven years, and during the Revolu- 
tionary war, threw off his priestly robes, and entered into 



20 

the glorious struggle as a Captain. A brother of the Rev. 
geutlemau's, Ilczekiah J. Baloh, was one of the authors of 
the Mccklenhurg Declaration of Independence, which was 
signed in May, 1775, one vear previous to the promulgation 
of the glorious Charter of our Liberties, signed July 4th, 
1776. 

The subject of this sketch was selected by the ^lanagers 
of the Franklin Institute, to deliver the Annual Address for 
1854, a duty which he discharged with entire satisfaction to 
the Managers, and a large and intelligent audience present. 

Mr. Balch was elected to Council from the Ninth Ward, 
on the Democratic ticket, by a majority of some three hun- 
dred votes, the balance of the ticket elected being Whigs. 

In Comicil, Mr. Balch has been quite prominent and 
active, having served as Chairman of the Committee to in- 
vestigate the aftairs of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad. 
The report from this Committee was an able one, and re- 
flected great honor upon the members of it, for the industry 
and talent displayed on its pages. INIr. B. was also the 
Chairman of tlie Committee on the Police and Fire Alarm 
Telegraph, and through his untiring industry, assisted by 
other members of the Committee, the plan recommended by 
them Avas adopted by Common Council. 

Mr. B. has introduced and carried through a great many 
important resolutions, owing to the fact, perhaps, of his 
general urbanity of demeanor, and able advocacy of them 
in debate. 



21 



HENEY BUMM, 

EIGHTEEN T II W A R D . 



Henry Bumm, of the Eighteenth "Ward, next claims our 
attention. He is but twenty-nine years of age, and would 
readily pass for twenty-five. He is short in stature, good 
figure, blade hair and eyes, and taken altogether, may be 
considered one of the good-looking members. 

Mr. Bumm was a member of the Board of Commissioners 
of the late District of Kensington, and was Chairman of the 
Finance Committee, a position of great responsibility and 
trust, the duties of which were discharged by him in a 
maimer, not only satisfactory to his fellow members, but to 
his constituents- During his connection with this Board, 
Mr. Bumm rendered himself somewhat conspicuous for his 
opposition to the building of certain useless culverts in that 
district, the contracts for which were given out in opposition 
to all rules of justice and right, and for the building of 
which the city has been called upon to pay large sums of 
money for a useless purpose. 

The course of Mr. Bumm, on this and other questions of 



22 

interest to the Dlt^trict, increased his popularity to a great 
extent in the Eighteenth Ward, and after Consolidation his 
name was among the first proposed for the new Legislative 
body. 

To show that the subject of this sketch was not forgotten, 
by those for whom he had labored, it is only necessary for 
us to state that he was elected by a majority of eight hun- 
dred and twelve votes. This confidence in ]\Ir. Bumm, we 
are satisfied, will never be violated or abused by him. 

Since ]Mr. B.'s advent as one of the " City Fathers," he 
has won the esteem and confidence of every member of the 
Common branch, not because of his much speaking, but for 
his industry and close application to the duties incumbent 
upon him. He is rarely absent from either a meeting of 
Council or the Committee to which he belongs, and in the 
transaction of business he is prompt, energetic, and tena- 
ciously alive to all measures calculated to promote the best 
interests of his constituents and the whole city. 

In conclusion, we might say, that Mr. Bumm is truly a 
working member, and winning for himself, in and out of 
Council, a fair fame, by his urbanity and honest endeavors 
to do that which is right. To know him is to appreciate his 
worth, and our humble wish is, that the city may long be 
able to command his services. 



23 



GEOllGE A. BIND Ell 

TWENTIETH WARD. 



Mr. Binder is a native of Philadelphia, and is now in his 
thirty-fourth year, and was elected to the present Council 
on the Independent Reform Ticket, by a majority of over 
four hundred votes. 

Mr. Binder is well and favorably known by the citizens 
of the Twentieth Ward, he having served for six successive 
years as one of the Board of Commissioners of the District 
of Penn, and previous to which time served as Treasurer of 
the District, the duties of which office he discharged with 
satisfaction to the Board and the people. 

While in this body, Mr. Binder was on the Committees of 
Finance, Water, and several others, besides being Chairman 
of numerous Special Committees, one of which, through his 
agency, caused a certain delinquent to pay over a large 
amount of money, which had been for a long time withheld 
from the District. 

During all the strunrdes in this Board of Commissioners 
between the reform and anti-reform parties, Mr. Binder was 
always firm in his endeavors to save the District frum ex- 



24 

travagant contracts and corrupt legislation. Mr. Binder 
was one of the few members of this Board, respected by 
the people, and rewarded for his services by an election to 
the first Council under the Consolidation act. 

During his connection with Council, Mr. B. has lost none 
of his popularity, for his speeches and votes on all questions, 
and particularly that of the Thompson street Culvert, dis- 
tinctly show that he still maintains his determination of 
doing that which will add most to the interest of his con- 
stituents and the welfare of the City, 

His re-election, if he desires it, we should think, will be 
certain. 



25 



THOMAS T. BUTCHER, 

TWENTY-FOUllTII WARD. 



The subject of the following sketch was elected to Com- 
mon Council by two hundred and fifty majority, by the 
united Whig and American party. He is now in his fortieth 
year, but to all appearance is a much younger man. He is 
a Philadelphian by birth, and during the past fifteen or six- 
teen years has been one of our most active merchants. 

In the year 1839, in connection with his brother Wash- 
ington, they commenced business under the firm of T. T. & 
W. Butcher, (the firm previous to this was Amos W. But- 
cher k Sons,) in the same building in Water street, which 
had been the business place of their father and grandfather, 
for near three quarters of a century. The style of this firm 
was, some years afterwards, changed to Butcher & Brother. 

In the year 1850 or '51, in consecjuence of their store 
beiu'' insufficient in size to accommodate their increasinir 
business, they purchased the building and lot of ground in 
Front street, near Race, known at that time as the former 
residence of Henry Pratt, Esq. Here they erected a 
4 



26 

spacious fire-proof warehouse, adapted in every respect to 
the wants of their business. This building has a front of 
fifty-one feet, by one hundred and fifty feet deep, and is five 
stories high, and has been considered by strangers and mer- 
chants, who have visited our city, as one of the largest and 
most substantial buildings in the United States, and admi- 
rably adapted for their particular business. 

For several years past, this firm has been considered one 
of the largest and most successful in our city. They also 
show the rather unusual circumstance, in our country, of 
three generations of merchants, of the same direct family, 
pursuing an active business career, in the same place, for 
nearly a century, and sustaining an unblemished integrity 
of character, having never failed during that whole period, 
to the present time, to meet their every engagement. 

Thos. T. Butcher, the senior partner of the firm just 
named, retired from business in November, 1852, to a 
beautiful residence that he purchased some years before, 
from our talented townsman, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Esq., ad- 
joining the Powelton estate, in the Twenty-fourth Ward, 
where he is at all times ready to receive his friends with 
open hearted welcome. 

Mr. Butcher has never desired or occupied any political 
position previous to his present election, but has been for 
several years, and is now, an active Director and Manager 
in several ?>lercantile and Philanthropic Institutions of our 
city. lie was a Director of the Girard Bank for several 
years. Their firm has always been a warm friend of the 
Pennsylvania railroad, and contributed liberally to the origi- 
nal subscription for building that road. His brother. Wash- 



27 

ington, has been a Director of the road from the commence- 
ment to the present time. 

In Council, Mr. Butcher is ever attentive to the interests 
of his constituents, not only in giving his vote but in speech, 
whenever such a course is necessary. With a little more 
legislative experience, Mr. B. will become a good speaker, 
not that he lacks at present ideas or language to express 
them — but that confidence in himself, which is only attained 
after years in the public service. 



28 



JAMES J. BOS WELL, 



TWENTY-FOURTH WARD. 



This gentleman is one of the few, in the present body 
who has had the advantage of enlarged experience as a 
former representative of the old city. Although born in 
Virginia, a long residence in Philadelphia of some forty 
years has almost made him " native and to the manor born," 
■while a continuous service for the last fifteen years in a 
public capacity, has given him an intimate knowledge of the 
power, the interests, and the necessities of the new corpo- 
ration. 

In 1841, Mr. Boswell was first appointed a member of 
Common Council, from what then constituted New Market 
Ward, in the old City of Philadelphia, and continued to be 
successively chosen a member of that branch of Councils, 
until 1845, when he was elected to the Select Council, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the late well 
known and lamented Thomas P. Cope. In this latter ca- 
pacity, Mr. Boswell served until January, 1850, Avhen he 
resigned his place in Councils, but continued to serve the 



29 

public in the capacity of a Director of the Girard College, 
until June, 18o4, Avhcn he was chosen to represent tho 
Twenty-fourth Ward, in the organization of the new City. 
Upon his first appointment to Councils, Mr. BosAvell waa 
placed upon the very important Committee to superintend 
and direct the building of the Girard College, and for two 
years, and until its completion, he continued to be a mem- 
ber of that Committee, one year of which he served as 
Chairman. Upon the organization of that Institution, he 
was appointed one of its Directors, and continued in that 
capacity, as stated above, until his recent election to the 
new City corporation. 

The experience which has been gained, by fifteen years of 
intimate connection with this most important trust, has been 
recognized by his appointment to the Committee of the Gi- 
rard Estate of the present Councils. 

During Mr. Boswell's connection with the old City Cor- 
poration, he served on several Special Committees of great 
importance, and sustained by his voice and vote several 
matters of public action upon which sentiment was at that 
time greatly divided, but which experience has since shown 
to be most important to Philadelphia interests. Upon the 
c^uestion of a City subscription to the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, he especially took an active part, and as one of the 
Committee who reported in favor of this f»roposition, he 
aided materially in determining a favorable vote, at a time 
when Select Council was almost equally divided on the sub- 
ject. 

Upon his resignation from Councils, Mr. Boswell was 
honored by the unusual compliment of resolution of regret, 
on the part of his fellow members. 



30 

Mr. Boswell has always been, and still continues to be 
noted for his prompt and faithful attendance at the meetings 
of Council and its Committees, from which he is very rarely 
absent. His large experience in public affairs, as well as 
his natural temperament, leads him to be very decided in 
his course upon all public questions, and hence he is gener- 
ally known for his equally frank and ardent support or op- 
position. A very warm friend or a most determined oppo- 
nent, he spares no effort to accomplish or defeat what his 
judgment leads him to favor or disapprove. 



31 



PATllICK BOYLE, 



NINETEENTH WARD. 



In the present Council there are but two members not to 
the " manor born," and Mr. Boyle is one of them, he having 
first seen the light of the glorious sunshine in the " Green 
Isle." 

The absence of Mr. Boyle from his seat at nearly every 
session of Council, has prevented us from ascertaining any 
facts, by observation, of his fitness for the post bestowed 
upon him by the Democrats of the Nineteenth Ward. 

When he is present, the chamber is never interrupted, nor 
business delayed by speeches from him, preferring rather 
to listen to others, and vote whenever called upon so to do. 

Indeed so little is he known, even by his fellow members, 
I that we are at fault completely in any effort to give a faith- 
' ful Daguerreotype of this member, but asjwe desire our little 
I work complete, so far aa Common Council is concerned, we 
'have concluded to say thus much of the absent member, 
(Mr. Boyle. 

I 



32 



SAMUEL COPELAND, 

NINTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketch is well known to our citizens 
as a carpenter and builder, he having been engaged in this 
business for some thirty-seven years. 

Mr. Copeland is now in his sixtieth year, 'and forty years 
of that time he has resided in Philadelphia. He was born 
in Bucks county. 

Mr. C. has always been an active Whig, and during his 
long life has so conducted himself, as to become exceedingly 
popular with his constituents, and was by them elected to 
the old City Councils for four successive years. 

During his coimection with the old Councils, he was two 
years Chairman of the Committee on Highways, and during 
that time exhibited so much fitness for the position, dis- 
charging its duties so thoroughly and practically, that he 
was selected to the same position in the new Council. 

It was predicted by many, that Mr. Copeland's course 
in the old Council, in reference to the Rice contract for 
Market-houses, would prevent his return to the new body ; 
but the result proved otherwise, as he was elected from the 



33 

Ninth Ward hy over one thousand majority, some three 
hundred greater than any other man on the ticket. 

Mr. Copeland, though unblessed vith the advantages of a 
liberal education, hesitates not to cope witli the most formi- 
dable in Council in debate, lie brings to the discussion a 
mind eminently practical, and an experience of years in 
legislative business, which often effects more than the graces 
of education and an extensive command of language. He 
sticks with much tenacity to his opinions, and only changes 
his mind after the most mature deliberation. He is a 
member of the Committee on Markets, in addition to that of 
Chairman of the Committee on Highways. 



34 



JOSEPH M. COWELL, 

TENTH AYARD. 



Mr. Cowell was born in Bucks county, Pa., and is now 
forty-four years of age. He was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits in that county for seven years, when he moved to 
this city in 1831, and commenced the wholesale hat, cap 
and fur business, in Avhich he is still engaged. 

Mr. Cowell commenced life poor, but by industry and 
integrity of character he has won for himself a name and 
position in society. 

While he was a resident of Bucks county he was the 
Whig candidate for Register of Wills, and was only defeat- 
ed by twenty-two votes whilst all the other candidates upon 
the Democratic ticket were elected by over six hundred 
majority. No better evidence of Mr. Cowell's popularity 
and standing could be given than this. 

The same qualities that endeared him to the people of 
Bucks county, have, we should judge, had their effect upon 
the citizens of the Tenth Ward, as his selection was secured 
on the Whig ticket, to the first Council, under the Conso- 
lidation act, by a majority of one thousand and fifty-six. 



35 

Mr. Cowell is a fine-looking man, being about six feet 
high, Avell proportioned figure, good head, and a face beam- 
ing Avith good humor, lie is, therefore, a general favorite 
amono; the members, and if attention to the business of 
Council and the Committees is worth anything, will in- 
crease his popularity among his constituents. 

If he so desires it we have no doubt he Avill be again 
returned to Council. 



36 



EOBEllT CllESSWELL. 



TENTH WARD. 



The manufacturing and mercantile interests of Philadel- 
phia are largely represented in the new Councils, and it is 
well for the prosperity of our City that such is the fact. 
Philadelphia being the largest manufacturing city in the 
Union, and scarcely second to any in a commercial point of 
view, should be represented by those whose business, wealth 
and position, impels them to guard her treasury and her 
credit. 

Among the gentlemen representing the commercial classes 
is Mr. Robert Cresswell, known as one of our most esteemed 
Market street merchants. Ho is about thirty-seven years 
of age, and was elected to Councils as a Democrat, from the 
Tenth Ward, by a majority of four hundred and sixty votes. 

He is an entirely new man, fresh from the people, never 
having held any public position or been a candidate before 
the people previously, and during a residence of nineteen 
years in this city, no one has been able to say aught against 
his character or integrity. 



37 



He is a native of Iluiitingdon count}', in this State, and 
made his first appearance in Philadelphia as a clerk in one 
of the wholesale establishments in this city, and after re- 
maining in this position some five years, commenced busi- 
ness for himself, in connection with two other gentlemen, 
one of whom is still connected Avith him as partner. 

;Mr. Cresswell is urbane and gentlemanly in his bearing 
towards all who have the pleasure of coming in contact with 
him. He makes a good member of Covmcil ; punctual in 
attendance upon all meetings, and faithfully sitting out each 
session to the hour of adjournment, so that his vote may be 
recorded either for or against measures introduced. 

Mr. C. has not yet been able to overcome the modesty 
attending a first appearance in public life, sufficiently to in- 
dulge in the frequent debates which occur, but there is no 
doubt but that he will acquit himself creditably whenever 
the interests of his constituents demand a speech. 



38 



WILLIAM CONRAD, 

FOURTEEXTH WAED. 



Mr. Conrad is about fifty-five years of age, and -was born 
in Germantown, and is one among the members who has 
never been in public life before, vrhether this was owing to 
the fact that he lived most of his time iu a strong Demo- 
cratic Ward, (he being a Whig,) or to his modesty and in- 
nate desire for retirement, we are unable to say ; at all 
events, his first nomination was from the American party, 
and his election was secured by over three hundred majority, 
a practical endorsement not only of his sentiments, but the 
esteem in which he is held in the Fourteenth Ward. 

Mr. Conrad is one of the most attentive members to busi- 
ness in Council, never absent from his seat or the meeting 
of the Conmaittees on which he has been placed. A trait 
of character highly commendable m a legislator, and one 
that will ensure justice being done to the interest of his 
constituents. 

Mr. C. has not yet favored Council with a speech, prefer- 
rinsr rather to record his sentiments bv his votes, and so far, 



39 

vre believe, his name will be found attached at all measures 
for sustaininfT the credit of the City. 

Mr. C. was, owing to his industry and appplication, able 

to retire from business at the early age of thirty-seven, 

since which time he has lived a life of ease, and at present 

filling up his time by a close application to his public du- 

ies. 



40 



DAKIEL CORLIES, 



NINETEENTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketch, is, we believe, an entirely new 
man in a legislative capacity, though he is well known in- 
the Ward he represents as an ardent and active Democrat. 

Mr. Corlies is about fifty years of age, and is one of the 
most quiet and unassuming men in Common Council, never 
indulging in speeches, with the exception of recording his 
vote, yea or nay. 

Whether this is owing to his bashfulness, or a lack of 
power to express his ideas, Ave are unable to say, as our 
acquaintance with him has been limited to the interchange 
of the civilities of the day. 

Mr. C. was elected to the present Council on the Demo- 
cratic ticket, and, we presume, his votes at least have met 
with the approval of his constituents. He is a member of 
the Committe on Health, but we believe he has never attend- 
ed any of the meetings of said Committee. 



41 



BENJAMIN P. CmSPIN, 

TWENTY-THIRD WARD. 



Mr. Crispin is between fifty and sixty years of age, a 
little bald and portly. He represents one of the rural 
districts. 

Mr. C. has long been a prominent and active Democrat in 
the county, and on several occasions has been nominated for 
and elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate 
of Pennsylvania. 

His familiarity with legislative business renders him a 
stickler for points of order, and nothing seems to give him 
greater uneasiness, than for a member to violate any par- 
liamentary rule. This sensitiveness frequently brings him 
before Council, on questions of order, though his speeches 
are not always directed to this point, as he is also tenacious 
of the rights of the rural districts, and any measure intro- 
duced which appears to be burthensome to that portion of 
the city, is sure to find in ]\Ir. C. a strong and untirmg 
opponent. 

Mr. Crispin was elected to the present Council by the 

Democrats of the Twenty-third Ward, and his constituents, 

we are sure, will have no cause of complaint at the manner 

in which he discharges his duties, either in Council or in 

Committees. 
6 



42 



CHAELES S. DUTs^K, 

FIRST WARD. 



]\Ir. Dunk is one among the many members of Council 
fresh from the people, he having never served in any public 
capacity, until his election to the first Council under the 
Consolidation Act. He was elected on the American ticket 
by a large majority. 

Mr. D. has been successfully engaged in the manufactur- 
ing business for many years in the lower section of the City, 
near the spot where he was born, in 1821, and those who 
are familiar with him as a man, in his social and business 
capacity speak of him in the highest terms of commenda- 
tion and praise. 

He is very attentive on all meetings of Councils, and the 
Committees on Poor and the Prison, to which he was ap- 
pointed soon after the organization of Council, and in the 
transaction of business is ever found upon the side which 
will redound to the welfare and prosperity of the government. 

We have had no means yet of ascertaining the calibre of 
Mr. Dunk as a speaker, he having refused so far to take any 



43 

part in the discussion of questions, but judging from his 
fluency of speech, when engaged in conversation, and the 
intelligent smile which often lights up his countenance, we 
should imagine that modesty rather than a want of power, 
keeps him silent. At all events he is a worthy representa- 
tive of the First Ward. 



44 



JAMES DAVENPORT. 

SECOND WARD. 



Mr. Davenport is now forty-six years of age, and can 
scarcely be classed among those members knowTi as " new 
men, and fresh from the people," as he was a candidate in 
1852, for a seat in the Board of Commissioners of Moya- 
mensing, but was defeated by a small vote. 

Previous to this, however, Mr. Davenport was elected 
Assessor in the Second Ward, being the only Whig elected 
in that Ward during a number of years. 

He was nominated by the Americans, and elected to the 
present Council, by a majority of five hundred and thirty- 
five, one hundred and thirty-seven more than were given to 
Mayor Conrad. 

If any endorsement was needed as to the moral worth of 
Mr. Davenport, this sweeping majority, given by those who 
knew him intimately, would be suflScicnt, but no such thing 
is needed, as all can testify who have had the pleasure of 
an acquaintance with him. 

Mr. D. is highly esteemed by his associates in Council, 
and, judging from his attention to business in Council and 



45 

on Committees, we should presume that his popularity would 
be increased among his constituents. 

We have not, as yet, heard a speech from Mr. Davenport, 
and, therefore, cannot give our impressions of him as a de- 
bater, but judging him as a physiognomist, we should thinlc 
there is the right stuff in him for speech making. 



46 



WILLIAM IL DEIN^KIS, 

THIRD WARD. 



Mr. Dennis is a native of Newport, Rhode Island, and 
"was born in the year 1808. He was left an orphan at the 
tender age of eight years, and at thirteen started out to 
seek his own fortune, unaided by relatives or friends. 

In the year 1844 Mr. Dennis moved to this city, and 
commenced the manufacture of oil, at which business he 
continued until July 1st, 1854, when he retired with, what 
he considers, a sufficient to make the rest of his days com- 
fortable. This competence was not won without constant 
and laborious labor, aided by a good repute for integrity 
and honesty, which Mr. D. has ever maintained in the city 
of his adoption. 

Mr. Dennis is a new man in political life, never having 
been before the people for office until his nomination by the 
American party, for a seat in the new Councils, under the 
Consolidation act, and to which he was elected by a majo- 
rity of nearly two hundred votes, and this too in a ward 
which gave a Democratic majority at the succeeding State 



47 

election. His election was but an ocular demonstration of 
the esteem in which he was held by the citizens of the Third 
Ward. 

Mr. D. was selected by the President of Common Council, 
as Chairman of the Gas Committee, in which capacity he 
has labored faithfully for the oi'i^anization of the Gas De- 
partment, in such a manner as to equalise the price of gas 
to consumers in all portions of the Consolidated City. He 
also advocated the increase of the Police force, as asked for 
by the Mayor of the City, believhig it to be the only way 
of properly securing the property and lives of the citizens. 

As a debater, Mr. Dennis stands very fair for one new to 
legislative discussions. His speeches indicate a strong prac- 
tical mind, disdaining the adornments of rhetoric, and rely- 
ing altogether upon the truth of the propositions under 
discussion. 



48 



MICHAEL J. DOUGHEETY, 

FOURTH WARD. 



Mr. Dougherty is the youngest member of Council, being 
now in tbe twenty-third year of his age. 

He studied law under the Hon. Charles Gilpin, and was 
admitted to practice in the District Court, and Common 
Pleas, October, 1853. 

At the time of Mr. Dougherty's election he was but a 
little over twenty-one years of age, but his adherence and 
advocacy of the principles of the Democratic party, pointed 
him out as the most fitting person to serve in the first Coun- 
cil under the Consolidation Act. 

Mr. D. is a native of Philadelphia, and graduated at the 
Philadelphia High School, with the highest honors, in Janu- 
ary, 1848. His election to Council, soon after this period, 
stamps him as a rising man, and we have no doubt his 
course in Council will bo heartily approved of by his con- 
stituents. 

Soon after the organization of Council, Mr. Dougherty 
was selected as one of the Committee on Law, a most im- 



49 

portant post, and since that time he has been one of the 
most active in the discharge of the duties imposed upon 
said Committee, as well as always being present at each and 
every meeting of Councils, and watching Avith attention the 
passage of all Ordinances and Resolutions introduced by 
the Committees and Members. 

On a number of occasions Mr. Dougherty has engaged in 
the discussions which occur in Councils at every meeting. 
Though exceedingly modest, and feeling keenly his position as 
the youngest member of that body, he acquits himself with 
much credit. He has but little difficulty in expressing his 
views with clearness and to the point, and always leaves 
a favorable impression upon the minds of his fellow members 
when he has concluded. 



60 



JOHN DUBEEE, 

SEVENTEENTH WARD 



Mr. BubRee is now about fifty-two years of age, and hag 
been a resident of Philadelphia some thirty-one years, 
twenty-eight of Avhich were spent in the old district of the 
Northern Liberties. He is a native of Bucks county, Pa., 
where he resided upon a farm until his removal to this city. 

Mr. D., during his residence in the Northern Liberties, 
was elected for three years a member of the Boai'd of Com- 
missioners. In this Board he won the esteem of his fellow 
members, by his strict attention to the business of the Com- 
mittees and the Board. 

He was elected to the present Council by the Democrats 
of the Seventeenth Ward, by a majority of nearly five hun- 
dred, a sure indication that the course pursued by Mr. D., 
as a Commissioner and a Democrat, had met with the entire 
approval of his friends. 

Mr. D. is emphatically a self-made man, having in his 
early years to depend upon his own exertions to win fortune 
and a name. In both of these particulars he has succeeded 
as he is now enabled to retire from business and live a life 
of ease. So far as we have been able to ascertain, he has 
ever maintained a character free from stain or blemish. 



51 



A. M. EASTWICK, 

TWENTY-FOURTH WARD 



Tins gentleman illustrates, in a remarkable degree, the 
great results flowing from a mind practically alive to the 
"business affairs of our people, combined with industry and 
application to the pursuit in which inclination or circum- 
stances may have thrown him. 

Mr. Eastwick was born in Philadelphia in the year 1811, 
and is now forty-four years of age, and though but in the 
prime of life, has been enabled to retire from business with 
a large and ami^le fortune. He commenced in this city, in 
1835, the building of locomotives, and was the first to 
secure a patent for the eight-wheeled locomotives, mih 
trucks equalizing the weight of the engme now in use. 
After continuing business in this city up to the year 1844, 
Mr. E. was oifered a contract, which he accepted, from the 
Emperor of Russia, to build all the locomotives and ma- 
chinery for a railroad in his dominions, commencing at St. 
Petersburg and extending to Moscow, a distance of four 
hundred and twenty miles. The first contract amoimted to 
over six millions of dollars. 



62 

Mr. Eastwick renicained in Russia six years, and during 
that time built the first twenty miles of the road, constructed 
one hundred and sixty two locomotives, and two thousand 
five hundred and eighty-one burthen cars, besides all the 
turn-outs and other machinery for the successful operation 
of the road. On the completion of this contract Mr. E. sold 
out to his partner, who still retains an interest in the 
road, and returned to this country, and to his native city, 
with a fortune suflSciently large to surround himself and 
family with all the comforts and luxuries that Avealth can 
procure. 

Mr. E., soon after his return, purchased the old Botanical 
Garden, belonging to the estate of Mr. Bartram, situated 
upon the banks of the beautiful Schuylkill. Upon this place, 
and near the old Manor House, which was built in the year 
1731, and which Mr. E. allows to remain in all its primitive 
glory and uniqueness, a splendid villa, in the Norman style, 
has been erected as the residence of 'Sir. Eastwick. The 
interior of this splendid edifice, as well as everything apper- 
taining to its exterior, has been fitted up in the finest style 
of art. The rooms are luxuriously furnished and adorned 
with costly paintings, sculpture, &c. The grounds have 
been tastefully laid out in walks, and such improvements 
made, without interfering with or destroying the ancient 
character of the place, as render it one of the most desirable 
residences within the consolidated city. In the old Inde- 
pendence Ilall, and among the latest pictures placed there, 
may be seen the likeness of Wm, Bartram, a son of the ori- 
ginal proprietor of Bartram Garden. 

Mr. Eastwick is fresh from the people, never having 



63 

served in any legislative body previous to his election to 
the first Council under the consolidated city. His habits 
of industry and application to business are carried out in 
his public capacity, always being in his scat, and taking an 
active part in the discussions and business before the body 
to which he is attached. 

As a debater he is quite forcible, speaks freely and to the 
point, never covering up his meaning in a redundancy of 
words, but, what is sometimes rare in public speakers, 
ahvays takes his seat when he has finished his argument, 
without deeming it necessary to reiterate his ideas for fear 
his fellow members have forgotten what he had said. 



54 



JAMES MADISON GIBSON, 

SECOND WARD. 



This gentleman is now in his forty -third year, but to all 
appearances is a much younger man. Mr. Gibson has so 
conducted himself in the Ward he represents, as to make 
him exceedingly popular >Yith the citizens, and though 
always taking an active part in the affairs of his party, he 
never consented to be a candidate before the people, until 
at the election for members of Council. He was elected on 
the American ticket, by a majority of over four hundred 
votes. 

Mr. Gibson makes no pretensions to oratory, though he 
is not deficient in language, giving utterance with conside- 
rable fluency to his opinions on questions coming before 
Councils. He may be considered a working member, punc- 
tual in attendance upon all meetings of Councils and Com- 
mittees, and tenaciously adhering to his opinions on subjects 
interesting to his constituents. 

During our constant attendance on Councils, we have 
ever found Mr. Gibson strictly upright and honorable in his 



65 

dealings with bis fellow members, and ever anxious for sus- 
taining the credit and prosperity of the city. His labors 
for remunerating the lamii-lighters of the city, for duties 
legally performed, will endear him to all those who feel an 
interest for the working men of our city. 



56 



JOHN U. GILLEE, 

FOURTH WARD. 



Mr. Giller is a fair specimen of the Philadelphia mer- 
chants, he having been in the firm of Tennent, Derrickson 
& Co., for the past fifteen years, a firm which has maintain- 
ed its integrity amid all the mutations of trade. 

He is about forty years of age, and a native of good old 
Chester county, where he resided until the year 1826, when 
he removed to this city. 

During Mr. Giller's residence in Philadelphia, he has 
been an ardent and active Whig, but never consented to be 
a candidate before the people until the occasion by which 
he was sent to the first Council under the Consolidation Act. 

Mr. Giller was placed on the Finance Committee, of 
which Mr. Wickersham, now in Europe, was Chairman. 
After that gentleman had left the country, Mr. G. was 
selected to fill that post, a position which his business talent 
and acquirements eminently fitted him for. But Mr. G. was 
compelled to resign his arduous post, in consequence of the 
pressing nature of his own business. During his Chairman- 



57 

ship he drew up the Shiking Fund bill, which afterwards 
passed Council by a large majority, and a measure which 
he advocated with great force and eloquence. 

In Council, Mr. Giller is one of the most prominent and 
active members, participating in nearly all the debates upon 
important questions before Council. He is an able writer 
as well as debater. He speaks With much force and con- 
ciseness, seldom using figures of speech or noisy declama. 
tion, but stating his opinions and enforcing his views in a 
plain business-like manner, which seldom fails to carry con- 
viction to the minds of his fellow members. 

His course in Council, we are satisfied, will render him 
still more popular and ensure his return if so desired. 

Mr. G. may be considered the father of the Moyamensing 
Literary Institute, having raised more money for its estab- 
lishment than any other man in that section of the city. In 
every benevolent movement he has ever been prominent. 



8 



58 



CONKAD S. GROVE, 

SIXTH WARD. 



Mk. Grove is a native of Philadelphia, and is now in his 
thirty-second year. He has a good face, prominent fore- 
head, and with features beaming with good humor. 

He is an entirely new man, never having been before the 
people previous to his nomination by the Whig party, for a 
seat in the first Council under the Consolidation act. His 
election was secured by a large majority, attesting to his 
worth and fitness for the capacity to which he has been 
elected. 

Mr. Grove belongs to that class of our citizens known as 
" the Producers," he being engaged extensively in the 
manufacture of Linseed oil, under the firm of Col. S. Grove 
& Bro. His establishment is the only one of the kind in 
Philadelphia, or in the State, and an immense capital is 
required to conduct it successfully. 

The pressing of oil from the seed leaves behind a brown 
looking cake, known " as oil cake." This is used exten- 
sively in this country and Europe for feeding cattle. 



69 

Large qiiantlties of it are shipped to Europe by Mr. Grove, 
six months in the year, and the remaiiuler of it is purchased 
for home consumption. 

Mr. Grove having his entire property and interests in 
Philadelphia, of course feels an earnest desire for its welfare 
and prosperity, and therefore he is never absent from his 
seat at the public meetings of Councils, or inattentive to the 
calls of the Committees on Gas and Surveys, to which he 
was appointed by the President soon after the organization 
of Council. 

Though but seldom participating in the public debates in 
questions before the Chamber, he is known as one of those 
having their own views and opinions, and no vote is cast by 
him until the subject receives a thorough and impartial 
investigation. 

In his hands may be safely trusted the city's interests 
and those of his constituents. 



GO 



ANSON GEAY, 

SEVENTH WARD. 



The beauties of our Republican form of Government is 
eminently illustrated in the rise and elevation of the work- 
ing classes to posts of honor and trust. Industry and in- 
tegrity are often, and should always be so, the sure road to 
place and power. 

Mr. Anson Gray was born in Washington county, State 
of New York, in the year eighteen hundred and thirteen, 
and removed to this city in 1841. Mr. G. owes his present 
position almost entirely to his integrity of character, he 
having so conducted his business as to win a competence 
for himself and the esteem of all who have his acquaintance. 

Mr. Gray was elected in the Seventh Ward, on the Whig 
ticket, by a majority of four hundred and forty votes, over 
any one on the same ticket. No better evidence of Mr. 
Gray's popularity could be given than the above fact. 

This was his first experience in running for office, and so 
strong is his love of retirement, that it will require very 
strong inducements to obtain his consent to be a candidate 
a second tune. 



61 

Mr. Gray has been for several years, and is still now 
Vice President of the Keystone Insurance Company, the 
duties of -which he has discharged with fidelity, and to the 
entire satisfaction of all connected with the Institution. 

Mr. Gray but seldom participates in the debates in Coun- 
cil, though always present to cast his vote for the interest 
of the city or his constitnents. His longest speech was made 
during the discussion on the Ordinance licensing Pawnbro- 
kers, and then he desired the bill so framed as to impose a^ 
heavy sum for a license, believing such establishments are 
in the main more for the advantage of thieves than honest 
people. 



62 



GEOE.GE GEISCOM, 

EIGHTH WARD. 



The subject of the following sketch is a native of Salem, 
N. J., but has been a resident of Philadelphia since he was 
four years of age. He is now in the forty-sixth year of his 
age, but still retains quite a youthful appearance. 

Mr. Griscom is of one of the oldest Philadelphia families ; 
his immediate paternal ancestor, Andrew Griscom, having 
come over preceding the first arrival of William Penn, and 
settled at Philadelphia in 1680. 

Mr. Griscom read law in the office of John Sergeant, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1834. In 1840 he was elected 
Alderman for South Ward, a position which he filled some 
five years, to the entire satisfaction of all having business 
connection with him. He was re-elected in 1845, but the 
calls of his profession compelled him to decline the active 
business of the office. He was Chairman of the Committee 
on Police in the old Council, after Mr. Charles Poulson had 
retired from the duties of the station. This Committee was 
one of the most important in Council. 

In 1851, Mr. Griscom was nomuiated and elected by the 



63 

Whigs a member of the Common Council for the old City, 
a position which he held until the Consolidation of the City 
was effected. While in the old Council, Mr. G. was select- 
ed as the Chairman of the sub-Committee to visit the West, 
to survey the route of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad Com- 
pany. 

After Mr. G.'s return he framed a report, and proposed a 
list of interrogatories, which was submitted to prominent per- 
sons on the route, and in Cleveland, Buffalo, Erie, &c. 

Mr. Griscom drew up and submitted to Council an elabo- 
rate and able report, setting forth his views, as well as those 
of the Committee, upon the advantages likely to result to 
Philadelphia by building the road to the harbor of Erie. 
This report met the hearty approval of Council, and through 
it the subscription was obtained to this great enterprise. 

Mr. G. was also the early friend of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company, and assisted in framing the first report 
adopted by a meeting of citizens. 

Mr. G. was elected to the present Council on the Whig 
ticket, though the honor Avas entirely unsolicited. In con- 
sequence of bad health, at the time of forming the Com- 
mittees, Mr. G. was not not placed on any of the Commit- 
tees except those of Law and Police. He is a good debater, 
and often participates in the debates before the Chamber. 



64 



EOEEET P. GILLO'GHAM, 



SIXTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Gillingham belongs to that important class of our 
citizens known as coal merchants, in which business he has 
been engaged several years, with great profit to himself, 
and doubtless to bis customers. 

He is a native of the State of Delaware, and but thirty- 
one years of age, and from the cares of business he has al- 
ready found time to travel extensively in South America, 
Mexico, California, and through his own country, thus storing 
his mind with historical as well as geographical events. 

Mr. G. was elected on the American and Whig ticket, by 
a majority of four hundred and eighty-eight votes, in a 
strong Democratic district, and commenced his first duties 
as a legislator in the first Councils elected after Consolida- 
tion. He is exceedingly attentive to the duties imposed 
upon him, being but seldom absent from the public meetings 
of Council, or the Committees on Police and Port Wardens, 
to which he was appointed by the President. 



66 

The same metliodical habits which has enabled him to be 
successful in his daily avocation, are carried out in his 
public capacity, and therefore the interest of his constituents 
are not likely to be neglected while he is honored by their 
confidence and support. 

Mr. G., previous to Consolidation, was nominated by the 
Whigs for the Legislature, but owing to the heavy Demo- 
cratic vote against him was defeated ; but in his election to 
Council he received a majority in every precinct in his 
Ward, thus showing the estimation in which he is held by 
those familiar with him. 

Mr. G. seldom makes long speeches, but frequently par- 
ticipates in the discussions before Council. What he has to 
say is said in few words, and directly to the question, pre- 
ferring rather to express his sentiments by his vote than by 
consuming the time of the House. 



9. 



66 



JAMES GAY, 

SEVENTEENTH WARD 



The present Council, as is well known to all our citizens, 
is composed almost entirely of Native Americans, those of 
foreign birth having stood but a slim chance at the election. 

Among those who have no lot or part in Nativism is the 
subject of this sketch, Mr. James Gay, an Irishman by birth. 

Mr. Gay is now in his fifty-fourth year, and has been a 
resident of Philadelphia for the past thirty-seven years, and 
during this time he has ever maintained a character for 
honesty, as well as a love for his adopted country. 

He has always been an active Democrat, and by them 
was elected to the present Council by a handsome majority. 

His course in Council, and in the Committees of Trust, 
and Fire Department, has met with the entire approval of 
his colleagues, and we are satisfied that no member of Coun- 
cil has the respect of his constituents to a greater extent 
than Mr. Gay. He is ever present at the meetings, and 
exceedingly attentive and watchful for the city's interest. 

Mr. Gay, though belonging to that party which is large- 



67 

\y in the minority, hesitates not to express his views upon 
questions before Council, and his speeches show him to be 
a man practically alive to the subject matter before him, 
and not swayed or influenced by outside clamor. 



68 



ALPHEUS W. GPtEEN, 

EIGHTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Green is now in his forty-fourth year. He is a 
native of the township of Scarborough, in Cumberland 
county, State of Maine, where he resided until the year 
1828, when he moved to Philadelphia, and entered as an 
apprentice in Wm. Keer's cordage manufactory, on Otter 
street, of which his brother was superintendant. 

After serving out his full time, he commenced the same 
business on his own account, and continued it until within a 
few years, when he commenced a gentleman's furnishing 
Btore in Kensington. 

Mr. Green's father was a sea captain for thirty years, 
and made many profitable voyages from the port of Port- 
land. He died a few years since at the advanced age of 
eighty-four years. 

Mr. Green, ever since his residence in Philadelphia, has 
been an active Whig, enjoying the confidence and esteem 
not only of his party, but all who had the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. As an evidence of this fact, we have only 
to say, that he was elected to the present Council from the 



60 

Eighteenth Ward, by over eight hundred majority. This 
was Mr. Green's first race before the people, but he won 
nobly, and by large odds. 

No member of Council is more attentive to business than 
Mr. Green, very rarely missing a meeting of Council or the 
Committees to which he is attached. 

As a debater, Mr. Green will always command attention, 
in consequence of the earnestness and sincerity with which 
he speaks. The impressions he makes is that the subject 
has had his serious thoughts, and his argument is but the 
reflection of an honest opinion. 



70 



EDWARD GEATZ, 

TWENTIETH WARD. 



Mr. Gratz is forty-nine years of age, and apparently is 
just in his prime. Pie is well known to our citizens as the 
proprietor of the Gratz estate, a beautiful property on the 
west side of Broad street. He is also well known for his 
efforts to defeat the many projects of extravagance indulged 
in by the late Commissioners of the District of Penn, a 
Board which he was a member two years. 

Just previous to the passage of the Act of Consolidation, 
an effort was made by the Penn District Commissioners, to 
purchase a tract of land, embracing twenty-eight acres, for 
which they were to pay the sum of §12,000 per acre, and 
which would have been successful but for the intervention 
of Mr. Gratz. 

When the subject came up for a final disposition, it was 
found that a majority of the Board were favorable to the 
unconditional purchase, but in the discussion it was stated 
" that such an act, upon the part of the Board, would in all 
probability defeat the Act Consolidating the City and 
County of Philadelphia," Mr. Gratz, who had himself pre- 



71 

dieted such results, submitted a resolution in effect that the 
ratification of the purchase should be left to the Councils 
under the Consolidation Act. After a long discussion the 
resolution was adopted, and the new city escaped this enor- 
mous debt. 

^Ir. Gratz has won for himself an enviable name by his 
opposition to all species of extravagance during his connec- 
tion with the Board, and when the nominations were made 
for the new Councils, Mr. Gratz Avas selected by the Ameri- 
can*party, and elected by over four hundred majority. 

He was selected by the President to be the Chairman of 
the Police Committee, and in the discharge of the arduous 
duties imposed upon him has been untiring, so as to intro- 
duce a system of Police which will, and has already made, 
Philadelphia one of the most quiet cities of the Union. 

In the transaction of business in Council, Mr. Gratz takes 
an active part in all measures of importance, frequently in- 
dulges in a speech, to which his fellow members listen with 
attention. He is a fine scholar, and invests his arguments 
with much that is interesting and instructive. But few will 
ever forget his masterly expose of the contracts entered into 
by the Penn District Commissioners, for the construction of 
a culvert in Thompson street. Mr. G. may be termed one 
of the leading members of the present organization, and no 
one is more highly esteemed for honesty and integrity. 



72 



CHARLES E. GRAEFE, 

TWENTY-FIRST WARD. 



« 



Mr. Graefp may be truly termed one of the good humor- 
ed members of Common Council, ever with a pleasant smile 
upon his face, and a hand ready to grasp -warmly all -with 
■\vhom he meets. 

He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the 
beautiful city of Reading. He is now in his thirty-fifth 
year, and twenty years of that time has resided in the City 
of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Graefi" is a practical business man, and by industry 
and a strict adherence to the principles of honesty in the 
transaction of business, has earned for himself and family 
much of this world's goods. He owes his election more to 
the fact of his unwavering integrity, than for his labors 
politically. 

He was nominated for the new Council in the Twenty- 
first Ward, by the Whigs and Americans, and he was 
chosen by a majority of some two hundred and fifty votes. 

As a member of Council Mr. Graeff is on the best terms 



fo 



with the members, and it couhl not be well otherwise. 
Open and free in his maimers, no concealment of senti- 
ments, or doubtful opinions upon questions introduced in 
Council. He is always ready to meet any responsibility 
which may arise in consequence of his action. 

Though but seldom participating in the debates of Coun- 
cil, Mr. Graeff is not deficient in those qualities which make 
a successful public speaker, and when he does speak it is 
in such a quaint humorous way that is far more likely to 
win favor with the members, than the more learned argu- 
mentative speeches of some of his associates. 

Taken altogether Mr. Graeff makes a worthy member of 
Council, and deserving the confidence of the constituency 
which honored him with a seat. 



10 



74 



JOHN A. HOUSEMAN, 

FIRST WARD. 



Mr. Houseman made his first appearance in a public 
capacity after the Consolidation of the City, and was elect- 
ed to Council on the American ticket, by a large majority, 
being, we believe, the highest man on the ticket. He, as 
well as his great-grandfather, were born in Philadelphia, 
the latter personage having contracted to furnish the timber 
for the erection of the old Fort on the Delaware, the re- 
mains of which were discovered some years since when the 
Ship House at the Navy Yard was removed. 

Mr. H. is quite young yet, being only thirty-four years 
of age, and will have ample opportunity to serve his consti- 
tuents in any capacity to which he may be called. He is 
attentive to the business of Council, and seldom absent 
from the meetings of the Committee on Highways, of which 
he is a member. 

In Council, Mr. H. is seldom heard, except when record- 
ing his vote, feeling, no doubt, that older members, and 
those more familiar with Legislative business, can do the 
speaking for him. Among his friends, however, he has no 



75 

lack of words to express his ideas, and vre can only attri- 
bute his non-participation in the debates, to the fact of the 
novelty and importance of his position. When, however, 
the City or his constituents demand his services in this 
way, he will doubtless be found ready to discharge the 
obligation. 



76 



C. J. HOPTMAN, 

SIXTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Lewistown, Mifflin 
county, Pa. He removed to Philadelphia in 1837, and com- 
menced his mercantile career in the commission house of C. 
Humphries & Co., where he remained several years. He is 
now in the same business, but in his own name, and for his 
own profit. His close application to business, and integrity 
of character, has rendered him completely successful. 

Mr. Hoffman's first appearance in public life was in 1853, 
when he was elected to the old City Council, from Chesnut 
"Ward, on the Independent ticket. During his connection 
with that Council, he served upon the Committee of High- 
ways, and a number of special Committees. 

His course in the old Council met the entire approval of 
his friends, and he was again placed in nomination and 
elected a member of the first Council under the Consolida- 
tion Act. In this Council he is attached to the Committees 
on Highways, and Legacies, and Trusts, the duties of which, 
so far as we know, he faithfully attends to. 

Mr. H. is not ambitious enough to make him a speaker ; 
therefore he seldom, if ever, participates in any of the dis- 



77 

cussions before the Chamber ; but we have no doubt that 
his practical business talent ■would soon make a speaker of 
him, if he should once begin the practice of this necessary 
talent for a successful politician. 



78 



ALEXANDEE HAEPEU, 

ELEVENTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketch is a native of Philadelphia, 
and is now in the fortieth year of his age. He is well 
known to our citizens not only as a competent druggist, but 
as an active and uncompromising Whig, by whom he has 
been honored with several posts of honor and trust. 

Mr. Harper was for many years the Assessor of the North 
Ward, in the old City. He also served six years in the 
Board of Guardians of the Poor, and four years as one of 
the Prison Inspectors. The father of Mr. Harper was, for a 
number of years, a member of the old Common Council, 
and a member of the Board of Inspectors for the old Wal- 
nut Street Prison. 

The subject of this sketch was elected to the present 
Council by the Whigs of the Eleventh Ward. Those who 
know him best, speak of him as a frank, generous-hearted 
man, liberal to a fault, and possessing great business talent, 
and a good reputation for integrity and honesty. 



79 



JOHN HORN, 

ELEVENTH WARD 



This gentleman is a native of Baltimore, where he was 
born in tiie year 1808. lie came to Philadelphia in 1819, 
for the purpose of seeking his fortune, in which he has suc- 
ceeded to his entire satisfaction. 

Mr. II. has been in the drug business for the past thirty 
years, at the corner of Third and Brown streets, and during 
that time he has won for himself a name for industry and 
integrity, as well as a snug competence. 

Mr. Horn is an active Whig, and was honored by that 
party, for three years, in the Board of Commissioners of 
the Northern Liberties. He has also been a Director in 
the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Bank for the past fifteen 
years, and nine years a Trustee of the Northern Liberties 
Gas Works, and was, in fact, one of its first originators. 

He is also a Manager of the Northern Dispensary and 
several other charitable associations. 

Mr. II. was elected to the present Council on the Whig 
ticket, by a majority of one hundred and fifty votes. He 
was selected by the President as a member of the Com- 
mittee on Survey, and he is always exceedingly attentive 
to the business of the Committee as well as that of Council. 



80 



WILLIAM P. HACKE]^, 

TWELFTH WARD. 



Mr. Hacker is a Whig, and received a majority of four 
hundred and thirty-eight votes in a strong Democratic Ward 
— a strong evidence of his worth and popularity. He is 
about forty-six years of age, but time has touched him with 
so slight a finger, that he Avould readily pass for a man ten 
years younger. His black hair, dark eyes, florid com- 
plexion, and rather good humored face, and well proportion- 
ed head, marks him as one of the notables in the Common 
Council. 

He was selected by the Chairman as one of the members 
of the Finance Committee, and after the departure of Mr. 
Wickersham for Europe, he was chosen Chairman of that 
important Committee, a station requiring untiring industry, 
application, and great financial knowledge. These qualities 
have been found in Mr. Hacker, and by his efforts every 
department of the city government has been kept in order, 
and all their demands promptly met. To his untiring in- 
dustry and self-sacrificing labors for the City's welfare and 
credit, the interest upon her loans and bonds were promptly 



81 

met upon the first of January, and we confidently expect 
the City to be Avell governed financially, so long as Mr. 
Hacker holds the important position that has been intrusted 
to him. 

In the introduction of Ordinances for the appropriation of 
public monies, he is ahvays ready to explain the items, and 
the necessity of such an outlay, showing that the business 
of the Committee has been faithfully attended to in the 
Committee Room, and not left to be matured after its intro- 
duction to the Councils. By this means but few bills are 
referred back to the Committee a second time. 

Mr. Hacker is a good, though not a very fluent speaker, 
owing to the fact, we suppose, of his having passed more 
of his time in mercantile pursuits than among politicians. 
When he speaks, it is always to the point, and without much 
loss of words, " disliking," as he expresses it, " to consume 
the valuable time of Councils." 



11 



82 



CHAHLES HUBBARD 

FOURTEENTH WARD. 



This gentleman is a fine specimen of the industrious 
honest mechanics of our city, carving out for themselves a 
position in society by which they become useful members of 
the community. 

Mr. Hubbard is a house and sign painter, and about forty- 
two years of age, though he would readily pass for a man 
of thirty-five. He has lived for the past twenty years in 
the Fourteenth Ward, and so well and favorably known has 
he become, that he was the only Democrat elected to Coun- 
cil from his Ward, a fitting tribute to the worth and integ- 
rity of Mr. Hubbard. 

Mr. H. faithfully attends all the meetings of Council, and 
and is assiduous in performing the duties devolving upon 
him as a member of several committees. By this means he 
is ever watchful of the interest of his constituents, and will 
no doubt be rewarded by them in his return to Council at 
the next election. 

Mr. Hubbard is evidently modest and retiring in his dis- 
position, making himself felt in Council by his labors in 
committees, and votes on questions before the House, rather 



83 

than by speeches, though he is not deficient in the qualifi- 
cations which -would enable him to express himself clearly if 
desirable. 

Mr. H. is exceedingly popular in his OAvn "Ward, and 
is pointed to with great satisfaction by his fellow mechanics. 



84 



ALBEUT E. HOPPEL, 

EIGHTEENTH WARD. 



This gentleman is also a member from the Eighteenth 
Ward, and two years younger than his colleague Mr. Bumm, 
being bvit twenty-seven years of age. Mr. Hoppel was 
a member of the Whig party, and is now a representa- 
tive of the opinions and feelings of the American party. 
There are but few so young as Mr. H. wielding the same 
influence, and so widely Imown among the various parties 
in the Consolidated City, and since his advent as one of the 
" City Fathers," has made a decided impression upon mem- 
bers of Councils, as a man of quick perceptions and ever 
anxious for the welfare of the city. 

Mr. Hoppel, like his colleague, is opposed to the Ken- 
sington culvert contracts, and will, doubtless, when the 
question comes before the Councils, do much to prevent the 
City fi'om being defrauded of its just rights. 

Mr. H. is a ready debater, quiet, fluent, and speaks 
directly to the question under consideration, using no un- 
necessary words for the sake of making a long speech. His 
manner is cool and collected, never allowing the heat of 



85 

debate to carry him beyond the rules of courtesy and pro- 
priety ; to this fact may be attributed much of the influence 
exercised by him over his more excitable colleagues. Mr. 
Hoppel is a useful and industrious member, and his course 
Avill no doubt meet the approval of his constituents. 

Mr. Hoppel, in 1853, was nominated by the American 
party as their candidate for the Legislature, but OAving to a 
compromise between the Whig and American party, Mr. H. 
withdrew his name, for the purpose of effecting harmonious 
action. This decision of Mr. II. resulted in the success of 
the American ticket. 

This was Mr. IIoppcl's first appearance before the public, 
and his course on that occasion rendered him very popular 
with the people in the Eighteenth Ward, thereby securing 
his election to the present Council by a large majority. 



86 



NATHAN HILLIS, 

TAVENTY-THIRD WARD, 



It is but seldom that we find those belonging to the So- 
ciety of Friends participating in political contests, except 
to deposit their votes, and only then on the most important 
questions. 

The appearance of Mr. Hillis, dressed in plain Quaker 
garb, attracts considerable attention. He is about forty 
years of age, tall, and spare in person, with a pleasant and 
intelligent face. For one of his creed, he has been, and is 
still exceedingly popular with the citizens of the Twenty- 
third Ward. He is a native of the borough of Frankford, 
and has long been identified with its interests, and served 
four years in the Councils of that borough. He was also 
Treasurer of the Borough, and is now one of the Directors 
of the Poor for the townships of Lower Dublin, Oxford, 
and the Borough of Frankford. 

Mr. Hillis now represents the Ward composed of the 
Boroughs of Frankford and White-hall, and his election to 
Council was secured on the Whig ticket, by a majority of 
one hundred and sixty-six votes. 



87 

Mr. II., though living a long distance from the meeting- 
place of Council, is always present to take part iu the pro- 
ceedings, and vote and speak fur the interest of his con- 
stituents as well as those of the City. His course, we are 
satisfied, will increase his popularity with those who sent 
him, and ensure, in all probability, his return to the next 
Council. 



88 



DAYID S. HASSINGEE, 



TWENTY-THIRD WARD. 



Mr. Hassinger's ancestors were amongst the earliest 
settlers in the State of Pennsylvania. In the breaking out 
of the Revolution, they espoused the cause of Independence. 
His father, Jacob Hassinger, participated in the struggle. 
He belonged to General Wayne's brigade, and served with 
that gallant officer at the storming of Stony Point. Some 
years after the war, when the business of the country came 
to be more settled, he engaged in commercial pursuits, and 
was, at the close of the last century and the beginning of 
the present, an enterprizing and respectable merchant of 
the City of Philadelphia. David S. Hassinger was born in 
Berks county, in this State. 

He received his primary education at the Grammar 
School of the University, and graduated at Princeton Col- 
lege, New Jersey. He subsequently read law in the office 
of Hon. Horace Binney, and was admitted to the bar. 
Having identified himself with the Democratic party, he 
took an active part in the politics of the day, and he was in 
succession, from the year 1828, twice elected to the House 



89 

of Representatives, and twice to the Senate of this State, by 
the Democratic party of the City of Philadelphia. 

Holding a prominent position in the party during General 
Jackson's administration of the general government, and 
Governor Wolf's administration in this State, he was ten- 
dered on several occasions, whilst in the Legislature, high 
oflSccs of honor. Notwithstanding these flatteruig manifes- 
tations in his favor, he conceived it to be his duty to forego 
political preferment, and to continue at the post in which 
his constituents had placed him. 

Upon the change of politics in the City, he ceased to be 
a Representative. Although since solicited by his party to 
be a candidate for public station he has uniformly declined, 
but was prevailed upon to be a candidate for the Common 
Council, to aid in organizing the new City Government, 
upon a basis that would meet the wants and expectations of 
the people, and secure its lasting prosperity. 

Mr. Hassin<rer, though bclon^in"; to those known as rural 
members, his age and experience in legislation is felt and 
appreciated by his fellow members. 



12 



90 



PET Ell E. LAWS, 

TWELFTH WARD. 



Mr. Laws is a native of Philadelphia, and is now in the 
thirty -second year of his age. He is well known to a large 
number of our citizens, and particularly to the residents of 
the old district of the Northern Liberties, he having served 
as one of the Board of Commissioners of that District. 

During Mr. Laws' connection with the Board of Commis- 
sioners, he saw the necessity of some eflort to secure to the 
City the title to Windmill Island, situated in the Delaware, 
nearly midway between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 
Having this object in view, he was successful in having a 
a resolution passed, calling for Committees from the City 
Councils and the Districts to meet together for the purpose 
of considering the matter. 

The various Committees Avere appointed, and they as- 
sembled at the State House. Mr. Laws Avas selected as the 
Chairman of the Convention, and during its deliberation a 
Committee was appointed to proceed to Harrisburg for the 
purpose of carrying out the views of the meeting, which 
was decidedly favorable to the City's interest. 



91 

Through the Committee the subject was brought before 
the Legislature, but owing to the question of consolidation 
being a prominent and all absorbing topic, it was thought 
best to defer action until the next session of the Legislature, 
(that of 1855,) when the controversy will doubtless be 
ended, by giving to the City the title to the Windmill 
Island. During this entire controversy, Mr. Laws de- 
serves unqualified commendation for his untiring efforts to 
benefit the City. 

Mr. Laws was elected to the present Coimcil on the Demo- 
cratic ticket, by a handsome majority. In fact, he was the 
only Democrat elected from the Ward. Mr. Laws is ex- 
ceedingly attentive to the business of Council, always being 
present at the meetings of the Chamber, as well as that of 
the Committees to which he is attached. He frequently 
participates in the debates, and possesses considerable influ- 
ence, from the fact that his ideas are practical, and ex- 
pressed in a plain practical manner. 



92 



JOHTs[ LLOYD, 

THIRTEENTH WARD 



The subject of this sketch is also a new man in public 
station, he never having been before the people as a candi- 
date previous to his election to the present Council, though 
he has always been a strong Clay Whig, and a hard worker 
for the success of his party, 

Mr. Lloyd is a Philadelphian by birth, and is now in his 
forty-eighth year. For many years he was engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, but for the past fifteen years has been 
a member of the Board of Brokers, and actively employed 
as a stock-broker. 

As a merchant and broker Mr. L. enjoyed and continues 
to enjoy the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has 
business, and his election to Council was secured by a large 
majority. In fact but few men who have taken an active 
part in politics, are more popular with the people than Mr. 
Lloyd. 

He is exceedingly attentive to the business of Council 
and the Committees to which he is attached, but seldom 
being absent from his seat. Though but seldom partici- 
pating in the discussions before Council, he is looked upon 



93 

as one of influence, and who votes from a sense of right and 
justice, and not easily swayed or turned in his purpose by 
the eloquence or sophistry of those gifted Avith oratorial 
powers. 

j\Ir. Lloyd's course will no doubt prove acceptable to his 
constituents, and if he so desires it, will no doubt be return- 
ed in his present position. 



94 



WILLIAM LARZALEEE, 

FOURTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Larzalere is a native of New Jersey, and moved to 
this city in the year 1832. He is in his forty-first year, 
though in appearance would pass for a gentleman of thirty- 
five. He was a candidate on the American ticket, and was 
elected by a majority of six hundred and seventy ; a decided 
approval of the man as an honest and upright citizen. 

Mr. L. was never a candidate before the people at any 
other time, having been industriously engaged in mercantile 
pursuits ever since his removal to this city. But his ardent 
attachment for the glorious Public School System of Penn- 
sylvania, and his honest endeavors to give it countenance 
and support, induced his friends to make him a School Di- 
rector for the_Fourth Section, which position he faithfully 
attended to for seven years. He also served as a Controller 
of the Public Schools for two years, and during that time 
won the esteem and confidence of his fellow members. 

Mr. L., as a member of Council, still maintains and re- 
tains the good opinion of his associates and constituents, 
and so far has taken no part in the debates before Council. 



95 

His votes are always given, however, after mature delibera- 
tion, and the effect of a measure well scanned previous to 
j receiving his sanction. When the interest of those who hon- 
ored him with a seat, demands a speech, we have no doubt 
that he will be found ready and competent to discharge the 
duty with satisfaction to them and to the Councils. 



96 



JOHN A. MEECEH, 

SECOND WARD. 



Mr. Mercer is a Philadelphian by birth, and is now in the 
thirty-fifth year of his age. He is a tall spare man, modest 
and retiring in his disposition, exceedingly so for one who 
has been so often favored by the citizens of the Second 
Ward. 

During the existence of the government of the old Dis- 
trict of Southwark, Mr. Mercer was chosen, for six succes- 
sive years, the last time in March, 1848, by his fellow 
citizens, to serve them in the Board of Commissioners. At 
the time of his election he was the youngest member of the 
Board, but notwithstanding this fact, was selected as the 
Chairman of the important Committees of Public Property, 
and Lamp and Watch. He was also Chairman of the Water- 
ing Committee for six years, and on that of Finance, Vac- 
cine, Engine and Hose, two years. 

In the discharge of the duties imposed upon him, as 
Chairman of these Committees, and member of several 
others, he won the esteem of his fellow members, and most 
certainly the confidence of his constituents. 



97 

After Consolidation, and when nominations veere made 
for candidates for seats in Council, Mr. Mercer was among 
the most prominent in his ward, and he was elected by a 
majority of four hundred and sixty-five votes, thus showing 
conclusively, that his course, during his connection with the 
Board of Commissioners of Southwark, had met with the 
entire approval of his fellow citizens. 

Mr. M. was selected by the President, as one of the 
Committee on Health and Port Wardens, and he is always 
found at his post whenever the wants or interest of the City 
demands a meeting of these Committees. He is also always 
present at the meetings of Coiincil, and what is commen- 
dable, watching attentively every measure introduced by 
members, or the various committees. 

Mr. Mercer occasionally participates in the discussions 
before the Chamber, but has never indulged in long speeches, 
preferrmg rather to record his sentiments by his votes. 



13 



98 



WILLIAM MOHAN, 

THIRD WARD. 



Mr. Moran is a native of Chester county, Pa., where he 
was born on the 27th day of July, 1826. He removed to 
this city at a very early age, where he has resided ever 
since. At that time his father was largely engaged in the 
manufacture of cotton goods. 

Mr. Moran is a printer by profession, he having served 
his apprenticeship in the office of Hector Orr. Mr. M. sub- 
sequently became one of the proprietors, and senior partner 
of the firm of Moran & Sickles, in publishing the Daily Reg- 
ister, a paper extensively knoAvn among the reading portion 
of our community. 

Mr. Moran has always been an ardent and active Whig, 
and no member of his party, of his age, has so won upon 
the esteem of those composing that organization. In 1848 
he was nominated on the American ticket for the Legislature 
of the State, but subsequently declined in favor of the Whig 
candidate. In 1851 he was again Dominated by the Whigs 
for the same post, but the Democratic majority in the county 
was too overwhelming for him to secure his election. 

In 1854, Mr. M. was almost unanimously nominated by 



99 

the Whig Convention as a candidate for the State Senate. 
In the same year the citizens of the Third Ward, comprising 
Whigs and Americans, nominated and elected him to a seat 
in the first Council of the Consolidated City, a post which 
he has filled with honor to himself, and profit to his con- 
stituency. 

Mr. Moran has many sincere friends, and is a gentleman 
of a warm temperament, ardent in his attachment for his 
friends, and exceedingly desirous at all times to do a favor 
or benefit his fellow men. 

Mr. M., since he has been in Council, has been appointed 
upon many important Committees, and upon all important 
({uestions is found engaging in many of the debates that 
occur. He may be considered a good speaker for one so 
young, and with his ambition to excel, will one day excel as 
a debater. 



100 



JAMES W. MAUTIEN, 

TENTH WARD. 



Mr. Martien is one of the oldest members of Council, 
being fifty years of age ; but his good humor, active tem- 
perament, and regular features, bespeak a man of not more 
than forty years. He was elected to Council by eleven hun- 
dred majority, a heavy vote for a first trial before the people. 
Mr. Martien has been engaged in mercantile pursuits for 
many years, and for strict integrity and honesty, no man in 
our community stands higher. 

Mr. M. has been a fireman for thirty-three years, and an 
active one for sixteen years, and during the whole time he 
has been at the head of the legislative department of the 
Institution. Being thus engaged, he became familiar with 
all the difiiculties and objections to the present organization 
of the Fire Department ; and when he introduced his bill 
for its re-organization, so complete was it in all its details, 
and so suitable to the wants and exigencies of the time, that 
it passed Councils by a unanimous vote. 

Some twenty years gone by, Mr. Martien, with several 
others, originated the "Association for the Relief of Disa- 
bled Firemen j" an institution which has, since its existence, 



101 

expended nearly fifteen thousand dollars for the relief of per- 
sons injured and disabled at fires, and of their -widows. Du- 
ring the year 1854, twelve hundred and eighty dollars were 
expended for the relief of forty-four persons, averaging near- 
ly one a week. It should be the pride of the Fire Depart- 
ment to sustain this Institution munificently. 

Mr. M. is also connected with many of the charitable and 
benevolent institutions in our city, including the Masons, a 
society of which he has been a member for twenty-nine 
years, and in which he has held many high and honorable 
positions. In every situation in which he has been placed, 
he has won for himself the esteem and confidence of his fel- 
low citizens ; and no man in Council, perhaps, stands better 
with all classes of our people. 

Li Council he possesses much influence, succeeding gene- 
rally in carrying through all measures introduced or advo- 
cated by him ; not because of his eloquence, though as a 
speaker he stands fair, but because his felloAV members have 
suflacient confidence in his integrity and right-mindedness, 
as to convince them that he would not introduce a measure 
unworthy of their votes. May he long be an ornament to 
our city government. 



102 



WILLIAM MATTHEWS, 

FIFTEENTH WARD. 



The subject of this sketcli belongs to that class of our 
citizens ' knoAvn as the producers, he having had an iron 
founder's establishment for the past nine years, in the old 
district of Spring Garden. 

Mr. Matthews is a native of Philadelphia, and is now in 
his fortieth year. He is well and favorably known to the 
citizens of the Fifteenth Ward, he having served three 
years as Commissioner of the district of Spring Garden. 
During his connection with that Board, he was one year 
Chairman of the Joint Watering Committee, and also the 
Chairman of the Committee on Gas, at the time the present 
Gas Works were commenced. These positions were filled 
with much credit, and to the entire satisfaction of his con- 
stituents, judging from the fact that he was elected to the 
present Council, on the American ticket, by a majority of 
four hundred and fifty votes. 

Mr. M. has always been a strenuous advocate for the pub- 
lic school system, and served for three years as School Di- 
rector of the Fourth School District. 



103 

Mr. Matthews may be classed among the industrious mcm- 
bei's of Council, ahvays in his seat, and exceedingly attentive 
to the business of the Committees to which he is attached. 
As a debater, he stands fair ; though no orator, he never 
fails in his eifort to deliver with fluency, his ideas upon (ques- 
tions in which the city and his constituents are interested. 



104 



JOSEPH MANUEL, JR., 

TWENTY-FIRST WARD. 



INIr. Manuel belongs to that class of our citizens wlio 
have risen in the world by means of industry and integrity 
of character, rather than by wealth. 

His father is one of the oldest builders in our city, he 
having; contracted for the erection of some of the first and 
most substantial fire-proof warehouses in our city. He also 
erected the buildings at the Navy Yard. 

The subject of this sketch was born in old Dock Ward, 
and is now in his thirty-sixth year, and is, we believe, the 
oldest practical gas-fitter now living in our city. He is still 
extensively engaged in the same business, at the corner of 
Buttonwood and Spring Garden streets. 

Mr. Manuel has long been an active politician in the 
Twenty-first Ward, and well known as an American. Pie 
has always been identified with the Reform movement in his 
Ward, and at the election of members to the new Covmcils, 
he was elected by over four hundred majority, and was the 
hiirhest on the ticket. 

Mr. M. is fresh from the people, enjoying their confidence 



105 

and esteem, because he is truly one of the people, always 
striving for their interests, and to elevate them in the social 
scale. 

He was appointed to the Committees on Gas and Markets, 
by the President ; and no member is more attentive or punc- 
tual in the discharge of the duties imposed upon him. 
Though but seldom engaging in the discussions that so often 
occur, he is always found prepared to give his vote for 
measures calculated to sustain the credit of the city. 



14 



106 



CHAULES MAGAEGE, 

TWENTY-FIRST WARD. 



This gentleman is also amonii; the number of new men, 
fresh from the people, elected to the first Council under the 
Consolidation Act. 

Mr. Magarge was born in the old district of the North- 
ern Liberties, in 1805, and for the past twentj-five years 
has been extensively engaged in that important branch of 
trade, paper-making. Mr. M. and the gentlemen connected 
with him, have a large mill on the romantic Wissahickon 
creek, in the Twenty-first Ward. They are also connected 
with a number of mills in various parts of the county. 

As an evidence of the estimation in which Mr. Magargee 
is held by those who are familiar with him, as a man of cor- 
rect business integrity, and unswerving honesty, we have 
only to state that he was elected some five years since as 
the second President of the Gcrmantown Bank. In this po- 
sition Mr. M, enjoys the confidence and esteem of all con- 
nected or transacting business with the institution. 

Mr. Magarge was elected to Council from the Twenty- 
first Ward, on the Whig and American ticket, by a majority 
of over two hundred votes ; and soon after taking his seat, 



107 

was selected by the President as Chairman of the Commit- 
tee on Poor, the duties of which he faithfully and strictly 
attends to. 

Mr. M. is modest and rctirinjf in his manners, making no 
effort to become prominent as one of the " City Fathers," 
but preferring to watch the proceedings, and express his sen- 
timents by his vote. 



108 



GEORGE NOETON, 

THIRD WARD. 



Mr. Norton is a Philadelphian by birth, and lie is now in 
the forty-fifth year of his age ; but time has been so gentle 
in its dealings with him, that he would readily pass for a 
man some ten years younger. 

He is a lawyer by profession, having studied with E. 
D. Ingraham, Esq. He was admitted to practice in the 
year 1831. 

Mr. Norton is well known to our citizens, not only as a 
lawyer, but as an active and uncompromising Whig, and in 
1835 and '36 was elected to the Legislature of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

In 1838 Mr. N. was elected County Auditor, a post which 
he filled for three years, to the entire satisfaction of all 
those having business with the ofiice. 

The course pursued by Mr. Norton, in the various offices 
held by him, rendered him popular with the people of the 
Third Ward, and after the passage of the Consolidation Act, 
he was urged to become a candidate for a seat in the first 
Coimcil of the Consolidated City, a position to which he was 
elected by a large majority. 



109 

Mr. N. is chairman of the Committee on Claims, and he 
is also attached to the Committee on Surveys, the duties of 
■which are discharged with fidelity and promptness. 

As a debater, Mr. Norton stands very fair ; his familiarity 
■with legislative business renders him au fait in the rules of 
order, as -well as the forms and modes of conducting legisla- 
tive business. He is exceedingly attentive to business ; but 
seldom, if ever, absent from the meetings of Councils, or the 
Committees to ■which he is attached. 



no 



EOBEET ^^EWELL, 

FIFTEENTH WARD. 



The Consolidation of the City and County of Philadel- 
phia, caused an entire change in the character of those com- 
posing our City Councils. Instead of old politicians and 
ofifice-holders being chosen, new men were demanded by the 
people. 

Among the number of those who had never served the 
city in a public capacity, was Mr. Robert Newell, known 
favorably to a large number of our citizens as one of the 
Market street wholesale merchants, during which time Mr. 
N. had ample opportunity for travel, and did, we believe, 
visit nearly every State in our Union. 

Mr. Newell was elected on the American ticket, by a ma- 
jority of four hundred and fifty-two votes, thus proving 
that, though a new man in public political life, he was not 
considered untried or new by his fellow citizens. 

Since he has taken his seat in Council, he has been active 
and energetic in the transaction of business, never flinching 
from any duties imposed upon him. As a speaker, Mr. N. 
stands very fair — never at a loss for words to express his 



Ill 

ideas ■with clearness and force, or battle successfully for the 
interest of his constituents. His defence of the government 
of the old district of Spring Garden, when assailed by those 
unfamiliar Avith its minutia, has endeared him to those who 
sent him to Council, and Avill doubtless secure his return, if 
he so desires it. 



112 



COA^STAIN'TINE E. E. O^NEILL, 



SEVENTEENTH WARD 



Mr. O'Neill is about forty-four years of age, a lawyer 
by profession, having studied under Thomas P. McMahon 
and Charles Goodman, the first named having died previous 
to his finishing his studies. He was admitted to the bar in 
the year 1832, and up to his nomination for a seat in the 
new Council, under the Consolidation Act, had j)ursued his 
profession with great diligence, outstripping many of his 
more brilliant and classically educated brethren in the road 
leading to competence. 

Mr. O'Neill is truly a man of the people, careless m his 
personal appearance, and despising all kinds of flattery to 
accomplish his ends. He belongs to the Democratic party, 
and its principles are faithfully adhered to and carried out 
by him. 

His nomination to Council was made during his absence 
from the city, and unsolicited by him ; and he was also 
elected while absent, thus making no eJSbrt to secure a seat 
in Councils. 



113 

Since he has been a member, but few questions of impor- 
tance have arisen without his taking an active part in their 
discussion. He has ever been a bitter opponent to exorbi- 
tant salaries, and battled Avith great energy to prevent the 
passage of the Ordinance increasing the Police force to over 
one thousand men, denoimcing the movement " as an effort 
to fix upon the tax payers an armed standing army." 

In all his movements he has shown that the welfare of the 
city is his highest aim, and to carry out this intention he 
hesitates not to strike friend or foe. 



15 



114 



WILLIAM M. POWELL, 

FOURTH WARD. 



Mr. Powell is a Philadelphian by birth, and is now- in 
the forty-third year of his age, though to all appearances a 
much younger man. 

He belongs to the Democratic scliool of politics, though 
at present he considers himself an Independent Democrat, 
more desirous of voting for good men and measures, than 
giving a blind adhesion to party. 

Mr. Powell has always been active as a politician, but 
never ran for office previous to his election to the present 
Council, and if his own wishes are consulted, he will never 
be a candidate again. 

Mr. P. is a druggist, a business in which he has been en- 
gaged for the past twenty-two years, at Second and South 
streets. During that time he has ever maintained a cha- 
racter for integrity and great business qualifications. 

In Council, Mr. Powell has never indulged in speeches, 
in consequence, we suppose, of his belonging to the minority, 
or from the fact that his constituents have not been directly 
interested in the measures before Council, though we feel 
satisfied that Mr. P. will not do discredit to himself or his 
constituents, whenever he shall make his maiden speech. 



115 



GEOEGE W. POMEEOY, 

THIRTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Pomeroy is thirty-one years of age, a native of this 
city, and belongs to the Whig party, from whom he received 
the nomination for a seat of Councils, in the Thirteenth Ward, 
and an election by a majority of over two hundred votes, 
notwithstanding he was opposed by the i\.merican and Demo- 
cratic party. 

The father of Mr. P. was well known in our city as an 
active and popular politician, and was a prominent candi- 
date before the nominating Convention, for the Sheriffalty, 
in 1844. 

Mr. Pomeroy, though yet young, has also been active in 
political life, and was selected as a delegate to the State 
Convention which nominated Governor Johnson. Mr. P. 
took an active part in the discussions before that body, and 
also brought before the Convention the name of John W. 
Couley, as a candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court. 

Mr. P. is engaged in mercantile pursuits, and has ever 
maintained a character for integrity and promptness in 
meeting all his en";aii;emcnt3. 



116 

As a member of Council, he has won upon the confidence 
of his associates for his strict attention to the business of the 
Chamber, and the Committee on Water Works. 

In nearly all questions coming before Councils, Mr. Pom- 
eroy takes an active part, frequently engaging in the de- 
bates. As a speaker, he stands very fair, never at a loss 
for words to express his ideas, and but seldom wearying the 
patience of members by dry arguments, or the piling of 
words upon words merely to fill u]) time. 

He has the entire confidence of his constituents, and will, 
we have no doubt, be returned by them to the second Coun- 
cil under the Consolidation Act. 



117 



WILLIAM M. PARHAM, 

SIXTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Paruam may be classed among the members of Coun- 
cil fresh from the people, he never having been a candidate 
except for a seat in the first Comicil under the Consolidation 
Act. 

He is a native of Philadelphia, and is now in his thirty, 
sixth year. During the last twelve years he has been suc- 
cessfully engaged in the importation of plushes for hats, 
furs, &c. 

Mr. Parham, though not an active politician, has rendered 
himself exceedingly popular with the citizens of the Six- 
teenth Ward, and his election to Council was secured by a 
majority of nearly five hundred votes. 

In Council, Mr. Parham is ever found at his post, watch- 
ing with fidelity the interest of those who sent him, as well 
as that of the city, and he is never absent from the Com- 
mittees on Health and Markets, to which he was appointed 
by the President soon after the organization of the present 
Council. 

Mr. Parham is highly esteemed by his fellow-members, as 
a man of stern integrity and honesty of purpose, never 
shrinking from his duty for fear of responsibility. 



118 



JOHN S. PAITsTER, 

SIXTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Painter was born in the old district of the Northern 
Liberties, and is now in his forty-third year of his age. He 
is extensively known in that section of the county, as well 
as in the old city proper. 

Mr. Painter is a silversmith by trade, having served his 
time with Mr. Thomas Fletcher. He followed this business 
for many years. Mr. P. has enjoyed the confidence of his 
fellow-citizens at various times, by his election to a number 
of responsible offices. 

He was elected, some twenty years since, a member of 
the Board of Commissioners of Kensington, in which capa- 
city he served two years. During that time he was an 
active fireman, and was selected, by the President of the 
Board, as Chairman of the Fire Committee. 

Mr. Painter was afterwards elected a School Director, 
for twelve successive years, for the Tenth Section, and at 
the time an effort was made to exclude the Bible from the 
Public Schools, was the only one in the Board to oppose it. 

It was during this time that Governor Porter appointed 
him Notary Public, an office which he held for three years. 



119 

He was also, at the same time, Clerk of the Board of Com- 
missioners of Kensington, Tax Collector three years in the 
Second Ward, and four years Clerk in the County Commis- 
sioner's office, under Wagner and Simpson. 

He was also a candidate for Congress on the American 
ticket, but his opponents were much too strong for him, and 
he Avas therefore defeated. Thus it will be seen that Mr. 
Painter has been frequently before the people, previous to 
his nomination for the new Council in the Sixteenth Ward. 

That he faithfully discharged these various duties there 
can be but little doubt, as he was returned to Councils, on 
the American ticket, by five hundred majority. 

The various public positions held by Mr. Painter fits him 
in a peculiar manner to discharge the duties imposed upon 
him as a member of Council. On nearly every question of 
importance, jNIr. P. participates in the discussions arising, 
and he is but seldom deficient in power to express his views 
with clearness and force. Ilis ideas are truly practical, 
and are always clothed in language so plain that none need 
misunderstand. 



120 



JOHN F. PRESTON, 

TWENTY-FIRST WARD. 



Mr. Preston was born in Philadelpbia, and is now in the 
thirty-third year of his age. His father has long been a 
resident of the late borough of ]\Ianayunk, where he was 
among the first to commence the manufactory of woollen 
goods, from which business he retired several years since, 
leaving his sons to continue an occupation pursued so profit- 
ably by himself. 

Mr. Preston moved to Manayunk in 1840, and engaged 
in the manufacturing business ; and previous to Consolida- 
tion, served for three years as a member of the Board of 
Borough Council for that place. He was elected to the 
present Council from the Twenty-first Ward, on the Ameri- 
can ticket, by a majority of some two hundred votes. 

Previous to the organization of the various Departments 
by Council, the affairs of the diiferent Wards were placed 
in the hands of local Committees, composed of the members 
of Councils from said Ward, and be it said to the honor of 
Mr. P. and his associates, all attempts to bleed the City 
Treasury proved abortive. The whole amount expended 
not exceeding over one hundred dollars. 



121 

The election of Mr. Preston is another evidence that 
modest merit, and private worth, are not forgotten. At- 
tending with diligence to his daily avocations, he spent but 
little time in seeking popularity, or a nomination for a seat 
in Council ; but the people of the borough, knowing his 
worth and honesty of purpose, nominated him, and without 
abating in their friendship, triumphantly returned him as a 
member of the first Council under the Consolidation Act. 

We have no knowledge 'of Mr. Preston's powers as a de- 
bater, never having heard him express his views upon ques- 
tions before Council ; but for a member who lives so far 
from the State House, he is exceeduigly attentive to his 
legislative duties. 



16 



122 



WILLIAM II. J. HEAD, 

SIXTH WARD. 



Mr. Read is a native of Philadelphia, and was born in the 
year 1817, in the street where he now lives. 

Mr. Read served his apprenticeship at the clock and 
watch making business, with Mr. Charles Townsend, and he 
has been in the same business, on his own account, about 
sixteen vears. He is known as a skilful workman, and what 
is far better, an honest man, punctual to all his engage- 
ments. 

He has alwa^^s been an" active Democrat, working for its 
interest, without desiring or expecting reward ; but his 
well known popularity in the Sixth Ward, caused his friends 
to nominate him for a seat in the new Council, they well 
knowing that it would require a Democrat, who could obtain 
the votes of the opposing parties, to be elected. 

The result of the election proved that their selection had 
been well timed, for on counting the ballots, it was disco- 
vered that Mr. Read was the only Democrat on the ticket 
elected ; the Whigs having elected the balance of their 
ticket by a majority of over three hundred votes. 



123 

Mr. Read is a member of the Finance Coirimittee, one of 
the most important as well as arduous in Council. The 
duties devolving upon him as one of this committee, as well 
as a member of Council, are fiiithfullj discharged. 



124 



SAMUEL J. EATs^EALL, 

EIGHTH WARD. 



Mr. Randall -was a member of the old City Councils for 
three years, having been first elected when he was but 
twenty-two years of age. He is now twenty-six, and is, we 
presume, the youngest member of Common Council. 

He owes his present position, and the large majority he 
received, nearly six hundred, to his devotedness to public 
business, and his independent course upon all questions upon 
which Council acted, never dodging a question, or pinning 
his opinions to the skirts of others. 

Mr. Randall is a Whig in politics, and since the inaugu- 
ration of the Councils of 1854, has always been found upon 
that side of the question which would be likely to result to 
the honor of the city, without regard to party lines or favor 
of individuals. He is, in fact, not only a Philadelphian by 
birth, but in every feeling of his heart ; and from our fre- 
quent opportunities of scanning his movements, we are sat- 
isfied that his whole desire is to so vote and speak as to 
maintain his own integrity and that of the city. 

Mr. Randall is quite a fluent speaker, expressing his 



125 

views readily and with much confidence ; and though easily 
excited, and in the heat of debate sometimes using language 
that may appear harsh, is always ready to make the amende 
honorable, and live in unity with his fellow-members. Mr. 
R. may be considered a useful member, and his constituents 
have just cause for feeling proud of their representative. 



126 



AIN^DEEAV UIIOADS, 

FIFTEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Rhoads, unfortunately alike for his colleagues and 
his constituents, has suffered so much from illness as to have 
been, for the last three or four months, a stranger to the 
Council Chamber. Of a clear and discriminating mind, and 
unshrinking firmness in the advocacy of what he esteems 
the right, his physical organization is delicate, and almost 
unfits him for the pursuits of active life. 

Mr. Rhoads entered political life as a Native American, 
and during the ascendancy of that party in Spring Garden, 
long represented his Ward in the Board of Commissioners 
of that flourishing district. To the universal approbation 
of his course, as a member of that body, is to be attributed 
his elevation to the more enlarged sphere of usefulness he 
at present occupies. It is extremely unfortunate that he is 
prevented from being constantly in his seat, as his clear 
views and undoubted influence might often have a beneficial 
eftect in regard to measures affecting the interests of tho 
people at large. 

Mr. Rhoads is about forty-five years of age, and, should 



127 

his health be re-established, he may look forward to a career 
of honor and usofidness. 

Mr. II. is a member of the Committee on Gas, but in con- 
sequence of his health, has not been able to give the busi- 
ness that attention which its importance demands. 



128 



THOMAS J. ROEEETS, 

TWENTY-SECOND WARD. 



Among the members of Council there are a number who 
own and live upon extensive farms in the rural portion of 
the Consolidated City. So extensive are the city's boun- 
daries, that the aid of steam and horse power is necessary 
to brinor the members to the meetino;s of Council. 

Of this number we name Mr. Thomas J. Roberts, of the 
Twenty-second Ward, who resides upon an excellent farm 
of sixty-three acres, located in the old Bristol township, 
which has been in the Roberts family ever since 1750, three 
of whom came to this country with William Penn. This 
farm once belonged to Griffith Jones, the third Mayor of 
Philadelphia. 

Mr. R. is thirty-seven years of age, and a firm adherent 
of the Democratic party, and was by them elected to the 
new Council by a majority of about four hundred votes. 

Though Mr. Roberts had never been a candidate before 
the people previous to his election to Council, he was well 
known to his fellow-citizens in consequence of having served 
them as School Director, of the Sixth Division, for six 



129 

years, and as one of tlie Board of Gurdians for the Poor 
for four years. 

In all these offices, as well as Tax Collector for two years, 
Mr. Roberts won an enviable name for honesty and strict 
attention to the duties devolving upon him. 

Notwithstanding Mr. R. has been often called upon to 
serve the public, he has ever retained his fondness for a far- 
mer's life, and will no doubt continue to till the soil until 
the tide of improvement, swelling so widely in our city, 
shall have crowded him from his retreat. 

As a member of Council, Mr. Roberts has won the esteem 
and confidence of his fellow-members of all parties, not only 
for his attention to business, but for his gentlemanly cour- 
tesy. 

Mr. R. makes no pretensions as a debater, though well 
educated and posted up on all the topics of the day ; but 
there is no fear that his constituents will suffer in conse- 
quence of this fact, as his vote will always be intelligently 
and honestly cast. 



17 



130 



JAMES STUAET, 

FIFTH WAKD. 



Mk. Stuart is a native of Philadelphia county, he having 
been born in the old district of Southwark, in 1809, ivhich 
is now in the Fourth Ward. 

Mr. S. may be termed a successful and enterprising 
merchant, having been engaged in commercial pursuits in 
the firm of Joseph R. Evans & Co., which house has been 
long in the London trade, as well as that of other European 
ports. 

In October, 1854, Mr. S. was elected to the Council of 
the old City, from New Market Ward, on the Whig ticket, 
by a large majority ; many of his personal friends in the 
old Democratic party cast their votes in his favor. This 
was owing to the fact that Mr. S. has ever maintained a 
character for probity, during his long business operations in 
Philadelphia. 

During his connection with the old Councils, he was an 
active member of the Finance Committee. He was also 
chosen, with others, to represent the City at the election of 
Directors of the Hempfield Railroad Company, held in the 



131 

Borough of "Washington, in Washington county, Pa , in the 
month of Novemher, 1854, at which time Robert T. Conrad 
was the President of the Company. 

Mr. Stuart was re-elected to the present Council by a 
large majority, and was placed on the Committee on Law 
and Girard Estate, the duties of which are faithfully dis- 
charged by him. 

Mr. S. frequently participates in the debates before Coun- 
cil, though he never indulges in long speeches, preferring 
rather to express his sentiments in a few practical remarks 
and by his votes. 



L32 



PETEE SHEETZ, 

EIGHTH WARD. 



Mr. Sheetz is a native of Philadelphia, having been born 
in the old City proper in eighteen hundred and twelve, and 
in which he has resided ever since. His parents were also 
natives of Philadelphia County. He belongs to that useful 
and numerous class of citizens known as " Master Brick 
Makers." 

As an evidence of Mr. Sheetz's popularity, growing out of 
his integrity and unimpeachable character, it is only neces- 
sary for us to state that he was the only Democrat elected in 
his Ward. 

Mr. S. has always been an active politician, working for 
the interest of his party, for the love of the principles advo- 
cated by them, and consented to run as a candidate for Coun- 
cil in 1852 and 1853, besides running for Assessor in 1850 ; 
but owing to the strong Whig majority in the Ward was de- 
feated. 

Mr. Sheetz may be truly termed a working man, and re- 
presenting their interests ; and his election to Council por- 
trays the beneficent influences of a republican form of 



133 

government, when compared with those of the old country, 
where wealth and family influence is entirely predominant. 

Mr. Sheetz, since the mauguration of the new Council, 
has been punctual in attending to all the meetings of Coun- 
cil, as well as the Committee on Health, to which he was 
appointed by the President. 

As a member of Council, Mr. Sheetz stands fair for in- 
tegrity and honesty ; though seldom indulging in long 
speeches, he is always on hand to cast his vote for measures 
to benefit his constituents or advance the city's interest or 
prosperity. 



134 



HENRY SHUSTER, 

THIRTEENTH WARD. 



In Mr. Slmster we have another sample of the power of 
industry and integrity to carve out a fortune and a name 
among men. Mr. Shuster has been the artificer of his own 
good name, having none of the advantages of wealth or a 
liberal education to force him before the people. 

For the past twenty years he has been engaged in beauti- 
fying and adorning our City, by contracting for the erection 
of houses, and during that time has maintained an enviable 
reputation. 

He is a native of Philadelphia, having been born in the old 
district of Spring Garden in the year 1811, and in which he 
has always lived. 

The year previous to the Consolidation of the City and 
Districts, Mr. Shuster was elected as one of the Board of 
Commissioners of Spring Garden. He was also Assessor of 
the Second, Third, and Fourth Wards, Spring Garden, for 
five years, and the duties of the office were faithfully and 
honestly discharged. 



135 

Mr. Shuster Avas elected to the present Council on the 
American and Whig Ticket by a majority of twelve hundred 
and twenty-eight votes, and soon after taking his seat was 
appointed on the Committee of Health, also upon the special 
Committee on Printing. 

Mr. S. exhibits the same industry and attention to the du- 
ties of his office, as he has always done to his own business, 
and therefore his constituents can have no fear that their in- 
terests will be neglected by him. 



136 



WILLIAM F. SMITH, 

TWENTY-SECOND WARD. 



This gentleman is a native of Salem county, New Jersey, 
where he was born in the year 1821„ He, however, moved 
to Philadelphia at the age of three years. For several 
yeai"s past he has been actively engaged in Mercantile pur- 
suits, and now belongs to the firm of Raiguel & Co., for- 
merly Eckel, Raiguel & Co. 

Mr. Smith first came before the people as a candidate for 
a seat in the old Council in 1852, from Upper Delaware 
Ward, a place to which he was elected, and what is some- 
what remarkable, he was the only Whig ever elected to 
Council from that Ward. While a member, he was on the 
Committee of City Property and Library, and no member 
attended more strictly to the duties devolving upon them, 
than Mr. Smith. 

He was among the most eloquent and firmest advocates for 
the removal of the Market Sheds in Market street, and was 
one of the Committee from whom the able report emanated 
upon this question. During Mr. Smith's term, he was un- 



137 

tiring in his eiforts to increase the pay of the Police to a 
living rate, and the addition that was granted them -was 
owing in a great measure to his able advocacy of the 
measure. 

]Mr. Smith was elected to the present Council by the 
Whigs of the Twenty-second Ward, and since his connection 
with this body has been exceedingly attentive to business 
and the meetings of the Committees of Finance and Girard 
Estates. He has always been a firm friend of the Public 
Schools, and but recently advocated an increase in the pay 
of the Female Teachers, a measure which, in our opinion, 
should be passed by Council. 

Mr. Smith is also known as a warm advocate of the Tem- 
perance cause, and for many years has been a leading spirit 
in the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance of the 
State of Pennsylvania. 

Since the election of Gov. Pollock, Mr. Smith has been 
complimented by the appointment of aid to the Governor, 
with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. In our opinion, a good 
appointment. 



18 



138 



JOHN STALLMATs^ 

TWENTY-SECOND WARD. 



The subject of this sketch may be considered one of our 
old Philadelphia residents, and among the oldest members 
of Common Council, he having been born in the year 1795, 
thus making him sixty years of age. 

Mr. Stallman Avas born at Chesnut Ilill, in the county, 
and has resided ever since Avithin a half mile of the spot in 
which he first saw the light. Mr. S. served some ten yearg 
as one of the School Directors for the Germantown District, 
and was Overseer of the Poor, in the same district, for ten 
or fifteen years. lie was also a member of the Board of 
Control of the Public Schools, one year. 

Mr. Stallman, in connection with Mr. Peters, started some 
thirty years gone by, the line of stages which noAV runs 
from Chesnut Hill to GermantoAvn and to the Philadelphia 
Exchange. After a feAV years, Mr. Stallman purchased Mr. 
Peters' interest, and conducted the line on his OAvn responsi- 
bility, until a few years since, when he disposed of it, and 
retired from business. He was also the proprietor, for 
twenty years, of a line of stages running from the Broad 
Axe and Blue Bell, in Montgomery county. 



139 

Mr. Stallman, during his long life and various business 
operations, has maintained an unblemished reputation, and 
his nomination and election, on the American ticket, to the 
new Coimcil, was but a just tribute to his worth by those 
who knew him well and favorably. 

Mr. S. is always punctual in his attendance on the meet- 
ings of Council and the Committee on Port AVardens, to 
which he was appointed by the Chairman. 

Mr. Stallman in the early days of the Public Ledger was 
one of its carriers, and during the nine years he owned the 
route, never missed delivering about one thousand copies 
but one morning during the whole period. He enjoyed the 
full confidence of the proprietors of the Ledger, as well as 
their patrons. 



140 



EEMU^^D TAYLOE, 

NINETEENTH WARD. 



Mr. Taylor is quite a young man, being now in his thirty- 
eighth year. He is a native of Philadelphia county, having 
been born in Blockley township. 

Mr. Taylor is well known to many of our citizens as a suc- 
cessful business man, and to the citizens of the old district 
of Kensington, very favorably known, he having served four 
years as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Ken- 
sington, also one of the Assessors for the Eighth Ward. 

During Mr. Taylor's connection with this body, he was 
Chairman of the Committee on Markets, and also a mem- 
ber of the Committees on Paving, Water, and Survey. 
The duties of these various Committees were attended to by 
him with fidelity and great satisfaction to his constituency. 

As an evidence of this fact, we have only to state that he 
was elected to the present Coimcil, on the Democratic ticket, 
by a majority of over two hundred votes. 

In Council, Mr. Taylor is much respected for his urbanity 
and devotedness to the interests of the city and his constit- 
uency. Never being absent from his seat, or from the meet- 



141 

ings of the Committees on AVater and Prison, to wliicli he 
■was appointed by the President. 

Mr. Taylor bids fair to become a prominent member of 
the city government, and his re-election will confirm the 
good opinion already entertained of him by his friends. 



142 



JAMES YEEIIEE, 

TWENTY-THIRD WARD 



The subject of this sketch is from one of the rural Wards, 
and was called from his farm and factory to become one of 
the " City Fathers." He is forty-three years of age, and 
ViG blush to own it, still unmarried. He is six feet, two and 
a half inches high, well proportioned, graceful in his move- 
ments, and a classical scholar, and possessing every neces- 
sary requisite to make him a popular and useful legislator. 

Mr. Yerree's first appearance before the public was as the 
Whig candidate for Senator, but he was either not wxU 
enough known, or his opponent was a better politician, for 
him to succeed. He has served as Director of the Public 
School in the Fifth Section, and also as Controller. 

Mr. Verree was also one of the members of the Commit- 
tee to draft the bill consolidating the city and county into 
one city, and his efforts to render this measure popular 
among the inhabitants of the rural districts, brought him in 
familiar contact with the people, and induced them to secure 
his election to the first Councils under the new government. 
A fitting tribute to one who labored faithfully for a measure 



143 

•which he believed would be of incalculable benefit to the 
county of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Verree may be termed a rather modest member, and 
rarely speaks, except upon questions of importance. lie is 
a good speaker, apt in his illustrations, at times witty, never 
dull, and always energetic in enforcing his opinions. His 
recent efforts in Council, in opposition to the establishment 
of a sinking fund, and the reduction of taxes upon property 
in the rural districts, stamped him as one of the best speak- 
ers in Council. 



144 



WILLIAM W. WATT, 

SEVENTH WARD. 



Tins gentleman is a Philadelphian by birth, and is now 
in the thirty-SQventh year of his age. Since the year 1836, 
he has been engaged in connection with his father in manu- 
facturing; cotton and Avoollen goods. Their establishment is 
quite an extensive one, located in Pine street, between Nine- 
teenth and Twentieth streets, and the average number of 
hands employed amounts to about two hundred. The pre- 
sent business was started by Mr. Watt's father in 1811. 

Mr. Watt was never before the people as a candidate 
previous to his nomination by the Whigs for the first Coun- 
cil midcr the Consolidation act, though he served seven 
years as Tax Collector of old Cedar Ward, the duties of 
which office he discharged with fidelity and satisfaction to 
all parties concerned. 

Mr. Watt was elected to Council by a majority of over 
three hundred votes, a fitting tribute to one who had always 
maintained a name for honesty and fair dealing. The office 
was not sought after by Mr. W., nor does ho now, we sur- 
mise, care a great deal about holding the position longer 
than his present term, but this determination, we presume, 



145 

will depend for its fulfilment upon his political friends. 
They in all probability will desire him again to be a can- 
didate. 

Mr. Watt is one of the members of the Committee on 
City Property, and he is ever attentive to its meetings, as 
well as upon those of Council. 



19 



146 



MOlllilS S. WICKERSHAM, 

NINTH WARD. 



This gentleman is a stock broker, and is now in Europe 
seeking relief from the ardous duties of business, 

Mr. Wickersham is well known to most ofsour citizens from 
his connection with the old Council, and his position as Chair 
man of the Finance Committee ; a position for which he was 
well fitted, in consequence of his familiarality with all matters 
connected with the monetary affairs of our City. 

Soon after his election to the new or present Council, Mr. 
W. was selected as the chairman of the Finance Committee 
by Mr. Diehl, who knew the fitness of Mr. W. for the posi- 
tion, from the fact that he had many opportunities of knowing 
his capabilities by serving in the old Council with him for 
several years. 

Mr. Wickersham is a good debater, professing that kind of 
power of speech which carries conviction with it. After his 
departure for Europe, the chairmanship of the Finance Com- 
mittee was placed in the hands of Mr. Giller, and afterwards 
in that of Mr. Hacker, Mr. G. having been compelled to re- 
sign in consequence of pressing private business. 



147 



CHARLES M. WAGTsEH, 

TWELFTH WARD. 



Mr. Wagner is but thirty-three years of age, and may 
also be classed as one of the good looking members of Com- 
mon Council. He was born in the old Fourth Ward of the 
old district of the Northern Liberties, where he still resides. 
His father was also born in this Ward, and was a member 
of the Senate of Pemisylvania during the celebrated Buck 
Shot War. 

Mr. W. has been jManager of the Northern Dispensary 
for several years, an institution that has afforded relief to 
thousands who were unable to procure medicines for them- 
selves. He is also a life and active member of the Histori- 
cal Society of Pennsylvania, and takes great pride in all its 
operations. 

Mr. Wagner also belongs to the new men in Council, he 
having never been a candidate before the people previous 
to his election to his present position, an office which he 
fills with much dignity, and to the satisfaction of his con- 
stituents. 

He has always been an active AVhig, and his election was 



148 

secured by a large majority of Whig and American votes, 
a fitting tribute to one who has ever maintained a reputation 
for industry and integrity. 

Mr. W. is exceedingly attentive to the business of Coun- 
cil, never missing a meeting of either Council or the Com- 
mittees on Police and Railroads, to which he was appointed 
by the President. He has the esteem and confidence of his 
fellow-members, as well as those who sent him to Council. 



'J 



